O Tigre e a Gazela (1976) User Reviews

A race's struggle for freedom, recognition and opportunity

[Rodrigo_Amaro · 6/10 · 15 August 2023]

Aloysio Raulino's effective short "O Tigre e a Gazela" analyses the survivalist condition of which enpoverished black communities faced in the 1970's, nearly 100 years after the abolish of slavery yet society hadn't made it easy on them, still fighting for recognition, spaces for opportunity and dealing with racism. With the words of philosopher/activist Frantz Fanon echoing the hopes for freedom and the importance of being heard, the film also juxtaposes with a couple of curious images of people, specially an old black lady who chants the Hymn of Independence in a loud, almost drunk manner, along with another song that reflects about importance spaces where black people could be part of such as political positions. The sounds tells us about what that community needs and wants as the images refelct about a different and tragic situation where basic needs are neglected and what's left is the enjoyment of the popular festivities of Carnival. A strange and complex contradiction of sorts but real, and little was changed from then, and the struggle remains. 6/10.