Festive Land Carnival in Bahia (2013)

Festive Land examines one of the largest and most extraordinary popular celebrations in the world the weeklong Carnival that brings more than two million people to the streets of Salvador the capital of Bahia in northeastern Brazil Carnival is the most expressive showcase of the unique cultural richness of Bahia where African culture has survived prospered and evolved mixing with other Brazilian influences to create forms found nowhere else in the world The film captures this unique cultural energy through extraordinary footage of musical performances dances religious manifestations and street celebrations At the same time Carnival reflects the racial and social tensions of Brazils heterogeneous society At first glance there appear to be two million people chaotically mixed on the streets but a more detailed look reveals how patterns of segregation driven by racial social and economic differences continue in Carnival