Milton Nascimento documentary now in Brazilian theaters
The documentary Milton Bituca Nascimento premieres this Thursday (Mar. 20) in Brazilian theaters, but preview events have taken place in Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Sitting in the front row of the movie theater, Milton Nascimento watched the testimonies on screen with a smile and an emotional look on his face. Even at the age of 82, with a long history of success, it was hard to remain impassive hearing so many artists from Brazil and overseas speak of him with admiration and respect.
The two-hour film takes a behind-the-scenes look at the musician’s farewell tour in 2022 and his reunion with fans from different parts of the world.
“My feeling about the movie is one of great happiness, especially when I think of the many precious friends life has given me, who are featured in the film. I’m grateful for all the affection and love I receive from so many people. I was guided by my friends and music throughout my career, and that’s what really matters in my life,” Nascimento said.
More than 40 personalities from Brazil and overseas give their testimonies about Nascimento. Among the most experienced artists are Gilberto Gil, Djavan, Chico Buarque, João Bosco, and Ivan Lins, but names from recent generations are also present, which helps bring Nascimento’s timeless influence into perspective.
Beyond Brazil’s borders, the artist’s voice and talent have charmed traditional figures in US jazz, such as Wayne Shorter, Stanley Clarke, and Herbie Hancock, as well as folk rock names like Paul Simon. Still in the US, filmmaker Spike Lee talks about his intimacy with and charm for the Brazilian singer-songwriter, as well as Fito Páez, a major star in Argentinian rock.
Narrated by 95-year-old actress Fernanda Montenegro, the documentary also offers an insight into how racial issues permeated Nascimento’s life. From childhood episodes of racism in Minas Gerais state to the respect that black artists and intellectuals have for the singer.
Another aspect briefly touched on in the film is Nascimento’s fragile state of health. He has diabetes and, last week, his son Augusto Nascimento revealed that his father has Parkinson’s disease.
The direction
Director Flavia Moraes said that two years went into recording the documentary, which is distributed by Gullane+ with the support of the São Paulo state government and the federal government through the Paulo Gustavo Culture Incentive Law.
“I took great care not to turn it into a puff piece. But the praise is inevitable. Obviously there are tributes, because he’s saying goodbye to the stage. And it’s a selection, not a chronological biography. A two-hour documentary just couldn’t account for all of Bituca’s greatness,” said the director, who refers to Nascimento by his family nickname Bituca.
