A REPRESENTAÇÃO DO NEGRO NO CINEMA BRASILEIRO: UMA LEITURA DE BESOURO, DE JOÃO DANIEL TIKHOMIROFF (2009)

Abstract

The work analyzes the Brazilian film Besouro, released in 2009, directed by João Daniel Tikhomiroff. The story is inspired by the life of Manuel Henrique Pereira, “Besouro”, a famous Brazilian capoeirista of the 20th century. He lived in Recôncavo Baiano, in the 1920s, Manuel Henrique gave rise to the brave hero of the time Besouro, a capoeira practitioner who challenges oppression and injustice. The film addresses themes such as racial discrimination, Afro-Brazilian cultural resistance and preservation of the traditions of capoeira, an art of African origin banned by white slavers because it was considered a violent art. Furthermore, the work explores spirituality and religiosity of African origin, showing the protagonist's connection with Afro-Brazilian beliefs and rituals. The narrative portrays Besouro as a hero who fights both physically and spiritually, using his faith and capoeira skills to protect his community and overcome challenges. The film highlights the importance of Afro-Brazilian culture and African religious traditions, while criticizing the social and racial injustices of the time. "Besouro Mangangá" celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture, resistance and spirituality, offering a powerful representation of the history and traditions of African descendants in Brazil. The work was read from the theoretical perspectives of Stuart Hall (2012) and Marcos Napolitano (2008), especially regarding the concept of representation and the use of the filmic object in the production of historical knowledge.