# Adelia Sampaio Film Festival Celebrates Black Cinema Generations in Brasília The eighth edition honors pioneering filmmaker Adelia Sampaio and the late Joyce Prado. - **Source:** [Agência Brasil](https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ab2d76e6-82ee-48d2-b4ac-be7e55393a3a ## Festival Opening and Scope The eighth edition of the Adelia Sampaio Black Cinema Competitive Festival begins on November 9 in Brasília. This year, the event showcases 40 films, including shorts and features, representing 15 Brazilian states and the Federal District. International contributions from Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Cuba further enrich the diverse cinematic program. ## Restored Cinematic Premiere The opening night features the premiere of Adelia Sampaio’s short film, 'Agora um Deus Dança em Mim.' The work was missing for over 40 years before being restored by the Cinemateca Brasileira. It utilizes footage of dancer Tatiana Cobbett to critique the limited performance spaces available to professional dancers in Brazil. ## Honoring Joyce Prado The festival pays tribute to filmmaker Joyce Prado, who passed away in 2025. Her final film, 'Quase da Família,' explores the historical struggle for the professional regulation of domestic workers in Brazil. The director did not live to see the completion of this project, which remains a centerpiece of the festival's tribute. ## Thematic Focus on Labor Festival director Edileuza Penha de Souza emphasizes the thematic connection between the selected films and the history of domestic labor. Works like 'Filhas de Lavadeira' and the closing film 'Aqui Não Entra Luz' by Karol Maia honor the women whose domestic work provided the foundation for future generations of Black female filmmakers. ## Literary Debut for Sampaio Beyond her cinematic achievements, Adelia Sampaio will launch her first children's book, 'Voos e Sonhos de uma Borboleta,' on November 10. The book offers a poetic narrative of her childhood experiences. Born in Belo Horizonte, Sampaio spent part of her youth in an institution in Santa Luzia do Rio das Velhas. ## Historical Context of Sampaio Adelia Sampaio’s career is marked by her status as a trailblazer in Brazilian cinema. In 1984, she became the first Black woman to direct a feature film in Brazil, titled 'Amor Maldito.' Her journey from an institutionalized childhood to becoming a cinematic pioneer remains a significant narrative within the broader Brazilian cultural landscape. ## Event Logistics and Venues The festival opening takes place at Cine Brasília on November 9 at 19:20. Following the opening, screenings and events will transition to the University of Brasília (UnB) Amphitheater 10 from November 10 to 14. The book launch is also scheduled at the UnB venue on November 10 at 16:00. ## Significance of the Showcase This festival serves as a vital platform for preserving and promoting Black Brazilian cinema. By bridging the gap between historical restorations and contemporary works, the event highlights the evolution of Black female voices. It reinforces the importance of institutional support in documenting and celebrating the contributions of marginalized artists to national culture. ## Sources covering this story - https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/cultura/noticia/2026-11/mostra-de-cinema-adelia-sampaio-homenageara-cineastas-de-duas-geracoes — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._