A Raça Síntese de Joãosinho Trinta(2009)

Nao ’t Zuuje(nl)

O Carnaval é de Pelé(pt)

This short film follows Pelé, a retired nurse who looks back on his time as a Mateus in the century-old Bumba Meu Boi group, Boi Tira-Teima. As he builds a new boi for the festival, he revisits the defining moments of his journey as a performer, carnival artist, and son of Mestre Gerson, the group’s former patriarch. The film explores how the way we carry our memories of the past shapes who we become in the present.

Deixa O Samba Me Levar(pt)

Cuceteiras VII: "Cucesniff?"(pt)

Amid the explosion of colors, sounds, and excesses of Olinda’s 2025 Carnival, Cuceteiras VII: "Cucesniff?" dives into the behind-the-scenes of a house that becomes the epicenter of partying, chaos, and connection. A group of friends shares a roof during the most intense days of the year, living a routine filled with alcohol, drugs, unexpected guests, and catchphrases that go viral among revelers. Between laughter, hangovers, and confessions, the documentary captures the raw intensity of human connection when the masks come off — or multiply. A chaotic, honest, and irreverent chronicle of youth, freedom, and the unmistakable heat of Pernambuco’s carnival.

O Mundo de Arlindo(pt)

The documentary talks a little about the carnival experience that Arlindo Rodrigues had during his more than 25 years of artistic life.

Vivencial I(pt)

Short by Jomard Muniz de Britto

A King Like Me(en)

Follows members of the Zulu Club, New Orleans’ first Black Mardi Gras, as they work to bring the Zulu parade back to the streets for Mardi Gras Day 2022, in the face of a global pandemic, hurricane Ida and the loss of members due to COVID and gun violence.

La casa del Carnaval(es)

Trans and queer communities shaped carnival traditions in the Canary Islands, exploring their historical role in developing costumes, performances, and celebrations that define the region's festive identity.

Artesanato do Samba(pt)

The making of the samba school parades, with the construction of the great cars, the decorations being spread all over the city and the hand-crafted tailoring of the costumes by apt hands that stitch together colourful and glowing materials.

Sou Carnaval de São Salvador(pt)

82 Minutos(pt)

Carnaval Claudia Leitte: We Can Do It!(pt)

I am the Samba(en)

Documentary about the rise and fall of Leandro de Itaquera Samba School, a cultural organization from São Paulo east end that had a major role during the profissionalization of Carnival competition in the city.

Biografía de un carnaval(es)

Los pueblos dormidos (por la Quebrada de Humahuaca)(es)

Documentary about the kolla people living in North Western Argentina.

Heirs(pt)

Herdeiros (Heirs) is a documentary about samba, about carnival, about the power of a resistant tradition. Shot in Morro da Serrinha in Rio, the film tells the story of the cultural and musical heritage, of the African heritage of formerly enslaved people in Brazil today.

Filhos de João, O Admirável Mundo Novo Baiano(pt)

A panorama of Brazilian popular music from the 60s and 70s through the musical group Novos Baianos. A retrospective of the community lifestyle adopted by its members and the influence inherited from singer João Gilberto.

This Is Bate Bola (Somos Melhor Que Tem)(pt)

On the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro during its world famous Carnival, far from the beach and the touristic clichés, there is an explosive contest between neighbourhoods. This old form of carnival features teams of futuristic gladiators that are a surreal mixture of play and menace. A tradition that has its roots in ancient European carnival traditions and in African rituals, they look like visitors from another planet.

Memória em Verde e Rosa(pt)

The Mangueira slum is the scenario where Tantinho and the old samba composers remember stories about the slums and samba.

Testament of the Donkey(en)

Documentary exploring the Carnaval de Laza, its ancient traditions and modern practitioners.