Movie Review Kasa Branca: another view of the favelas by Luciano Vidigal

"Kasa Branca" (White House), a Brazilian feature film written and directed by Luciano Vidigal, made its debut at the 42nd Turin Film Festival. The director, present at the screening to introduce the film and answer audience questions, explained that the film's objective is to offer a different perspective on favelas. These communities, he continued, often sadly associated only with episodes of degradation and violence linked to drug trafficking, are also places of strong social cohesion and solidarity among residents. Favelas are, in fact, genuine communities built on strong relational ties where people help each other to face daily problems and needs. 

The film's plot, both simple and touching, develops this theme. At the center of the story is young Dé, played by Big Jaum, a teenager facing an enormous responsibility as the sole remaining caregiver for his grandmother Almerinda, portrayed by Teca Pereira, who is terminally ill with Alzheimer's. His life, already marked by economic and social difficulties, is a constant battle against financial hardships and a bureaucratic and healthcare system that offers no concrete support. 

Despite everything, Dé doesn't let himself be overwhelmed and lovingly cares for his only remaining family member after his father abandoned him. By his side, his friends Adrianin, played by Diego Francisco, and Martins, played by Ramon Francisco, are like brothers and provide indispensable support in such a challenging context. 

The cast, as explained by the director after the film, consists of young Brazilian actors who sought to represent the "da rua" (street) context. The acting is, in fact, simple yet intense and passionate, with a portrayal of characters perfectly aligned with the narrative. 

Love in Small Things Overcomes Every Obstacle

The film narrates, through the experiences of these young people, moments of authentic poetry. Dé not only takes care of his non-self-sufficient grandmother every day but also tries to give her brief moments of happiness through small gestures of affection. For example, he shows her photographs from her youth or takes her every evening to watch the train pass by on the overpass near their home, which she perhaps once took to go to the city. 

His determination to give her happy moments before she dies is unwavering. Despite the difficulties, given that his grandmother is in a wheelchair, he also organizes trips to the most significant places in Almerinda's life, hoping to bring her back, even if just for a moment, to the joy of the past. 

These trips, however, are very complicated since grandmother Almerinda is in a wheelchair. Nevertheless, the determination of Dé and his friends, along with the solidarity of the entire community, is touching. For instance, a former favela resident, now a famous rapper, organizes a free concert in Dé's home garden, the titular "Kasa Branca," to raise money for rent and grandmother's medicines. 

Through the young and hopeful eyes of the protagonists, "Kasa Branca" opens a door to the theme of solidarity and the meaning of happiness. The film, which at times almost seems like a fairy tale, offers the viewer a delicate and poetic message. It aims to convey that love and resilience can overcome any difficulty and that happiness, present even in small aspects of daily life, is often a conquest shared with loved ones. Perhaps a reminder to a more consumerist society that instead measures happiness with money and what you can buy with it.

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