Brazilian Film 'Low Light' Gains Momentum at Ventana Sur Final Copy With Three Awards, Aims for Major Festival Debut (EXCLUSIVE)

The Brazilian drama Low Light (Lusco-Fusco), directed by Bel Bechara and Sandro Serpa and produced by Rafaella Costas Manjerico Filmes, emerged as a highlight at Ventana Surs Copia Final, securing the Cine+ OCS Award, Estdio Silver Award, and Send Files Award. The accolades provide fresh momentum for the film, which addresses domestic abuse and systemic violence against women through a story of intergenerational solidarity.

Set primarily in a public elementary school, Low Light centers on three main characters: Vera, a young teacher ensnared in an abusive relationship; Alda, the schools elderly cleaner who never learned to read or write; and Joana, Aldas eight-year-old granddaughter and Veras student, who forms the bridge between the two women. Through their bond, Vera and Alda discover a small sanctuary where they can share their pain and hopes, while Joana witnesses firsthand what it means to grow up as a woman in contemporary Brazil.

The film was conceived during the pandemic, when cases of femicide and violence against women surged. Bechara and Serpa designed the story to highlight that confronting gender-based violence is a collective effort rather than an individual struggle. The narrative spans three generationsa child, a young adult, and an older womanemphasizing hope through daily acts of protection and solidarity among women instead of relying on a single moment of catharsis.

Bechara and Serpa, long-time collaborators, have previously created seven 35mm shorts and three feature-length documentaries, including Msica Serve pra Isso (2013), Histrias de Marabaixo (2016), and Hoje o Primeiro Dia do Resto da Sua Vida (2024). Their 2018 fiction feature Onde Quer Que Voc Esteja also demonstrated their fluid approach between fiction and documentary forms. Production is led by Rafaella Costas Manjerico Filmes, a So Paulo-based company known for politically engaged, women-centered projects with international appeal.

Manjerico Filmes previously produced Power Alley (Levante) by Lillah Halla, which premiered at Cannes Critics Week in 2023 and won the Fipresci prize, as well as My Name Is Baghdad by Caru Alves de Souza, which received the Crystal Bear at Berlins Generation 14plus in 2020. Low Light is produced in association with Macondo Filmes and benefited from financing under Brazils Paulo Gustavo Law. Before Ventana Sur, the film had already gained attention at work-in-progress showcases including Brasil Cinemundi and CineLatinos Cinma en Construction.

Discussing the films inception, Bechara and Serpa noted that the pandemics rise in violence against women and a politically misogynistic environment in Brazil prompted the creation of a story that underscores collective resilience. Joana, the youngest character, embodies hope, guiding the older women through their darkest moments. The film portrays domestic abuse and illiteracy without stripping the characters of dignity, avoiding graphic depictions and emphasizing structural challenges rather than individual blame.

Visually, Low Light draws its title from the transitional period between day and night, reflecting both literal and emotional lighting in the film. Scenes contrast dark, oppressive spaces with brighter areas, symbolizing shifts in power dynamics and hope. Male characters are associated with oppression and darkness, while moments of female solidarity bring light and vitality to the narrative.

At Ventana Surs Copia Final, the team hopes to secure international distribution and festival partnerships. Costa emphasized that the awards and visibility provide the foundation for a major festival premiere and a broader audience reach. Manjerico Filmes focus on women-centered storytelling and pressing social themes aligns with Low Lights ambitions for both festival recognition and commercial success, offering a combination of deep character work and accessible storytelling.

Author: Zoe Harrison