Against the cannons: Brazilian cinema in the Lusitanian scene, from new cinema to guerrilla aesthetics

Abstract

This article examines the influence of Brazil’s Cinema Novo, particularly the work of Glauber Rocha, on resistance filmmaking in Portugal, focusing on the “Aesthetics of Guerrilla” developed by contemporary Brazilian filmmakers such as Francisco Weyl. The central issue is to understand how insurgent cinematic practices, articulated across Brazil, Portugal, and the Portuguese-speaking African world, consolidate as tools for cultural, political, and social contestation in postcolonial and neoliberal contexts. The aim is to analyze historical and aesthetic interactions among these cinemas, their low-budget methodologies, community-based work, and creative strategies to overcome structural limitations, producing counter-hegemonic narratives. The methodology combines historical research, film analysis, literature review, and participant observation in production, teaching, and exhibition contexts, highlighting the role of the Lisbon Theatre and Film School (ESTC) and the Lisbon Polytechnic Institute as hubs for training and dissemination.