POWER ALLEY / LEVANTE
The compelling Brazilian drama - 2023 Cannes Film Festival Semaine de la Critique selection - Power Alley (Levante) by Lillah Halla is a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by young women in contemporary Brazil, particularly around issues of reproductive rights and gender identity. It tells the story of Sofia (17), a promising volleyball player from a humble suburb of São Paulo in Brazil who, on the eve of a future-defining championship, is faced with an unwanted pregnancy. Seeking an illegal termination, she becomes the target of a fundamentalist group determined to stop her at any cost.
The film delves into the challenges Sofia faces in her community, dominated by conservative values. Her extraordinary talent offers her a glimpse of a different life, but she soon finds herself at a crossroads when unforeseen circumstances threaten her future.
The narrative explores themes of community, resilience, and self-expression, as Sofia and her diverse group of friends, who are rebellious and supportive, navigate these trials. Their solidarity and collective strength form the core of this vibrant and emotionally charged story, showcasing the power of unity and defiance in the face of adversity. This film is a testament to the fierce spirit of youth and the unyielding pursuit of freedom and agency.
"A punchy, confrontational energy infuses this celebration of queer sisterhood in the face of Brazilian conservatism," ~ Screen Daily
"The context of the team environment being a highly queer space, complete with trans and non-binary players... gives the notion of overcoming an unwanted pregnancy a unique charge: with a far-right, Bolsonaroist group catching wind of her situation as neighborhood gossip circulates...," Cineuropa
"...This spirited feature debut from Lillah Halla is a vivid, dynamic piece of filmmaking driven by the sparky connections between the teammates and a terrific, pulsing electronic score," ~ Screen Daily
Brazil/France/Uruguay, 2023, 99 mins, drama in Portuguese (With English subtitles), Lillah Halla, dir.
