Synopsis
Portuguese with English subtitles
With Alícia Esteves, Clara Esteves, Elena Parolini, Heudes Cássio de Oliveira, Ingrid Fernandes, Lilith Cristina, Lucas Penteado, Marcela Jesus, Marcela Reis, Nani Nunes, Paula Nunes, Sophia Tagliaferri, Vitória Caroline
In one of the richest and most conservative states in Brazil, the modus operandi of public education suffers a setback when high school students react to the official decree that determines the closure of 94 schools and the reallocation of students.
In a few days, through social networks and apps, we see students organize a response in a true Spring Revolution: They occupy 241 schools and take to the streets to protest. The state decrees war on students and every relationship becomes a revolution.
Schools in Fight follows the students as they fight for their right to an education. Through interviews and cameras inside the buildings, operated by the same students, the film throws light on a generation that dared to face that autocratic gesture of the State. The documentary presents a change in culture with emphasis on feminism and racism, and the consequent changes in student relations. It offers an unprecedented glimpse into the birth and growth of a peaceful movement that ultimately succeeded in overturning the government’s decree.
Press
“In order to give voice to the students and preserve a space for it, the documentary does not have any type of narration or supporting texts, only interviews with the students as a kind of conductor. In addition, everything was filmed together with the students, mixing amateur images from their own cell phones with those of professional cameras loaned by the directors.” – Helô D'Angelo, Revista Cult
“Revisiting the daily life of that High School odyssey, at a distance, can throw light on a generation that dared to face that autocratic gesture of the State.
The documentary presents a change of culture and a learning along the struggle of the protagonists of this "training report" reflecting on the change itself.
In the dynamics of occupations, a culture of struggle arises, with emphasis on female leadership and racism, and the consequent changes in student relations. The possibility of having a voice in the decisions of the school emerges from the experience of the struggle itself.” – Silvia Beatriz Adoue, Le Monde Diplomatic Brasil
Notes on the Film
“In times of political effervescence where the voice of the oppressed was echoing with all its force through the city, it was essential to assure it in an undeniable way. The students’ voice was made possible by having a camera at their disposal and filming the very revolutionary experience they were building.” – Rodrigo Marques, director.
“One of the high schoolers circulated with a camera through schools, like Fernão Dias, in Pinheiros.” – Eduardo Consonni, director.
“The idea was to take advantage of the heat of the moment and from there to learn how those students thought of the occupations, how the relationships between the schools developed, their affection, fears, and fighting force.” – Tiago Tambelli, director.
