Shot in Portugal, Brazil and Argentina, A History of Mutual Respect, 2010, responds to the complex dynamic between Brazil and Portugal, as the former coloniser veers towards economic dependency and collapse. Filmed in Luanda, Angola, Liberdade, 2011, is focused on the new relationships of love and desire created by mass migration and economic consequences of global capital in Africa. Ornithes, 2012, is an adaption of Aristophanes’ The Birds, featuring costumes made by local artisans and dialogue in Creole and Attic Greek, shot in Jakmel, Haiti. The films will be introduced and discussed with the filmmaker.

Gabriel Abrantes films are centered on the new identities and relations forged through globalisation. Often produced in collaboration with local and non-professional actors, his work deals with the human impact of historical, economic, and political forces through a theatricality and cinematic transgression. His brand of postcolonial cinema implicates desire and repression, often focusing on the reconstructing of Portugal’s colonial past. The Lisbon-based artist-filmmaker has shown his work internationally and won several prizes including the Best International Short Film at the Locarno Film Festival, 2010. 

Curated by AV Festival as part of the Postcolonial Cinema Weekend. Part of AV Festival 14: Extraction, www.avfestival.co.uk

£5/£3.50. Tickets available on the door

Postcolonial Cinema Weekend Pass: £30 / £20. The pass includes all screenings on Sat 8 and Sun 9 March only. Subject to availability. BUY PASS

Sight & Sound are media partner for AV Festival 14: Extraction