"In the summer of 1968, left-wing students occupied the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of São Paulo as a form of protest against the new military dictatorship. In October, the protest turned violent when right-wing students and a paramilitary, anti-communist mob attacked the students and shot a teenager. In virtuously choreographed sequences on black-and-white 16mm film, Vera Egito creates a captivating insight into these tense days. With precise movements, the camera acts like an additional protagonist and serves as a critical spirit of student resistance."
Told in 21 shots: "We don’t know who is recording; they are never mentioned or addressed, a conceit that’s somewhat inconsistent throughout, though remaining a strong technical aspect nevertheless in keeping the audience captivated making these breaking from format forgivable. Because of this single-take style, the audience finds themselves embedded with the students and professors, the camera following, staring, or swirling around whichever character is most important in the moment. Cinematographer William Etchebehere (Elena) is truly a marvel, managing to capture everything that happens without ever making any activity feel practiced or concerted, making them feel authentic to the moment. Of course, everything being in black and white, 4:3 aspect ratio, and with heavy grain/visible abrasions indicative of older and unpreserved film come together to reinforce the sensation of the audience beholding an unearthed document as opposed to a recreation of historical events. Thus, The Battle takes on a ghostly sensation, as if we’re watching something hauntingly timeless."
Directed by Vera Egito
Brazil, 2023
Trailer: https://youtu.be/zfNQEb9Hg7s