CESÁRIA ÉVORA
by Ana Sofia Fonseca
SYNOPSIS
World renowned performer Cesária Évora in a new and intimate documentary. With previously unseen footage and insights into the singer’s life, the film follows the struggles and success of the Barefoot Diva. Her voice took her from poverty to stardom, but her only dream was to be free.
DETAILS
94 mins
2022
Portugal
Portuguese, French Creole, English
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TRAILER
CREDITS
Directed, Written, & Produced by Ana Sofia Fonseca
Produced by Irina Calado
Edited by Claúdia Rita Oliveira
Cinematography by Vasco Viana
Sound Design by Sara Godinho, Pedro Miguel Carvalho, Rui Pereira, Billyboom Sound Design
Music by José M. Afonso
Produced by: Carrossel Producoes
In association with: Ate Ao Fim Do Mundo
Supported by: ICA, Lusafrica/Africa Nostra
BIOGRAPHY
DIRECTOR & PRODUCER - ANA SOFIA FONSECA
Ana Sofia Fonseca is a natural storyteller. Born in Portugal, she lives with one foot in her home country and the other in Cabo Verde—she has a house two steps away from Cesária’s house. ÉVORA is her second feature length documentary, following an award-winning 20 year career in journalism, in which she worked on over 20 television documentaries, and published five non-fiction books and a novel. For years, she has been dedicated herself to telling compelling stories with a focus on human rights themes—particularly stories about women rights and race issues.
SELECT FESTIVALS
SXSW 2022〡INDIE LISBOA 2022 - AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER〡KRAKOW FF 2022 - SPECIAL MENTION〡IT'S ALL TRUE 2022〡JEONJU 2022〡DOCAVIV 2022〡DOKFEST MUNICH 2022〡ENCOUNTERS 2022〡ANTENNA 2022〡SHEFFIELD DOCFEST 2022〡VANCOUVER IFF 2022〡FESTIVAL DO RIO 2022〡FESTIVAL DEI POPOLI 2022〡BERGEN IFF 2022〡IDFA 2022〡DOC NYC 2022
PRESS
"The barefoot diva has the autobiographical film she rightly deserves."
- Jorge Leitão Ramos, Expresso Portugal
"An increasingly textured film... An intimate approach that illuminates Évora’s extraordinary career while staying close to her personal struggles and triumphs."
- Ian-Malcolm Rijsdijk, The Conversation
"A tender glimpse into the life of a legendary musician, a woman who remained deeply connected to her home in Cabo Verde, even when thrust into international fame. For fans of Cesária Évora, this film is the definitive cinematic portrayal of her story. For newcomers, this is a warm-hearted introduction to one of the iconic voices of coladeira and morna music."
- Kieran Davey, Cinema Escapist