Brazil is making waves in 2024, not just as a fleeting summer trend but as a dominant force on the silver screen, with upcoming gems yet to be seen worldwide. Let’s dive into the world of animation, starting with Noah’s Ark (Sérgio Machado and Alois Di Leo, 2024) — a film that’s almost impossible to mention without evoking its predecessor, Rio (Carlos Saldanha, 2011). And with Os Saltimbancos on the horizon, Brazilian animation is reaching new heights. So, grab your tambourines, because this is just the beginning!
Noah’s Ark is inspired by the 1980s album of the same name by Vinícius de Moraes, released shortly before his death. The album, which was posthumously released, brings together his children’s poetry, telling the story of various animals, thus referencing the well-known biblical tale, while also exploring everyday things. The album was inspired by the homonymous book he wrote for his kids. A project aimed exclusively at a children’s audience, producing the album had been a dream of Moraes’ since the 1970s.
However, his lifelong music partners, such as Toquinho, Fernando Faro, and Rogério Duprat, made it possible afterward. They arranged, conducted, and invited renowned performers to collaborate on the project. This album became the soundtrack of many Brazilian homes, including mine. These songs are deeply rooted in the Brazilian collective imagination; everyone knows them by heart. The music took on characteristics of folklore, even though the stories and folk songs are more closely linked to Brazil's countryside and indigenous culture.
Like the 1980s album with its contemporary artists, the 2024 Noah’s Ark relies on a star-studded cast of today. It is witnessing the resurrection of Brazilian cinema after the stagnation during the sombre pandemic-Bolsonaro government era, when arts and minorities were left to wither under his hate and negationism. The Brazilian Cinema of the Rebirth is the term used to describe Brazilian cinema produced between 1995 and 2002, when, after a period of near-stagnation, the establishment of a tax incentive system sparked a new phase of support for film production.
Noah’s Ark follows the protagonists, Tom (Marcelo Adnet) and Vini (Rodrigo Santoro), two musician mice. By accident, they witness Noah receiving a message from God about the flood and the instructions to bring only one pair of each species. Determined to sneak aboard the ship, they embark on a series of adventures. The story has a fable-like quality, with personifications and metaphors that deserve special attention, especially since the primary target audience is children. This is particularly important today, when young audiences have easy access to screens and can be influenced by what they see, shaping their behaviour around it. With children as the target, storytellers hold significant power, as they carry the weight of the future.
The protagonists of Noah’s Ark were named after the masterpiece’s creator, Vinicius de Moraes, and his bossa nova partner, Tom Jobim. There are many layers of legacy within these names for us in Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, and it’s impossible to capture all of their significance in just one paragraph. Vinicius de Moraes is an important Brazilian artist whose work is extensive and spans multiple genres. Tom Jobim, on the other hand, was a Brazilian composer, arranger, and songwriter, who played a major role in the development of bossa nova and had a lasting influence on American jazz and pop.
The MacGuffin in Noah’s Ark is God's (Seu Jorge) instruction to bring only one pair of each species. This serves as a subtle commentary on the heteronormativity and monogamy that dominate Western civilization. Since colonialism, when Indigenous sexual practices and gender presentations were persecuted and erased, Western powers imposed their religion and beliefs on them, not to mention the violence that accompanied this process.
In Noah’s Ark, the protagonists encounter a smaller, alternative ark led by Alfonso (Gregório Duvivier), the cockroach, who transports insects rejected by Noah. This has a Bichos Escrotos vibe, inspired by the 1980s Brazilian rock song by Titãs. The song’s title translates to "Creepy Creatures" and serves as a rebellious anthem that critiques societal norms, embracing those deemed outcasts or "undesirable"—much like Alfonso’s ark, which is a refuge for misfits. Both the song and the scene from Noah’s Arch celebrate the underdogs, turning societal rejection into empowerment. Offscreen, this mirrors the diversity wave, representing the ongoing battle for awareness, respect, and equal rights for those often marginalised.
Noah’s Ark subverts the character of Lion Baruk (Lázaro Ramos). He is not the heroic king of the jungle, nor is he aligned with the traditional notions of an arch or the Hebrew origins of "Baruk," meaning "blessed" or "fortunate." Instead, his oppressive regime serves as an allegory for political leadership that represses marginalised groups while favouring those who exploit their positions. The character highlights the dangers of authoritarianism, inequality, and corruption, where power is concentrated in the hands of those willing to use deceit and force to maintain control.
The 2024 animation aims to captivate an international audience by exploring universal themes, transcending the Christian backdrop that forms just the tip of the iceberg. It addresses social, political, and geographical barriers between people, making references to icons like Billie Eilish, Amy Winehouse, Moe Howard, and Bob Marley. In essence, the movie is about unity—connecting generations, nationalities, and diverse groups in the theatres.
Noah’s Ark had an ambitious goal to position Brazil in the animation market, as it was almost fully produced there and featured a Brazilian English accent. However, it's worth briefly mentioning its predecessor, Rio. Rio does justice to Brazil's vibrant colours and biodiversity, with a subtle green commentary on the smuggling of wildlife and the extinction of the Pantanal's blue macaw. Beyond personification, the movie leans into a Carnaval celebration of stereotypes. These representations showcase Brazil for a global audience, tapping into the generalisations, imaginations and pre-conceptions of foreigners, while not capturing the plural microcosms that exist within the country.
Noah’s Ark has been a success in the domestic box office, ranking in the top 5, and is now on the verge of conquering the world. It has generated buzz in the animation market, especially with the upcoming Disney and Saldanha adaptation of Os Saltimbancos. This children's play by Chico Buarque, released in 1977, is based on the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale The Musicians of Bremen, with a mix of George Orwell’s classic novel Animal Farm. Another timeless piece in Brazilian homes, it transcends generations and offers another fascinating narrative to explore—another story for another time.
Comments