Sisters (Manas)
In the depths of the lush Amazon rainforest, Marcielle (13) grows up with dreams inspired by her older sister’s escape. But her illusions begin to crumble, revealing a dark abyss of silence held by her own family.
For her feature debut, Marianna Brennand does more than realistically depict the obstacles that come when attempting to break a cycle of abuse by speaking up. A decade-long collection of testimonies does allow her to incorporate a certain thoroughness that may recall her work as a documentarian. But Sisters does this and much more: it’s engaging, impactful, heartfelt. Beautiful, too. A shrewdly coherent approach to cinematography makes the point of view of her formidable young protagonist both central and decisive. And it’s an extraordinary performance by newcomer Jamilli Correa.
A poignant exploration of resilience and resistance, Sisters won the Director’s Award in the Venice Film Festival’s side section Venice Days.