Juliana Antunes’ astonishing debut follows friends Andreia and Leid as they navigate the perilous reality of daily life in the favelas of Belo Horizonte. At first glance, their days seem calm and untroubled, but the threat of violence is never far away and Andreia dreams of moving to the safer neighbourhood of nearby Baronesa. Antunes spent five years in Belo Horizonte working with a non-professional cast to create a work of rare intimacy and authenticity which—despite its simple structure—emerges as a complex, multilayered and moving portrait of contemporary life in the favelas. Baronesa announces an exciting new voice in Brazilian cinema.

Please be advised that this film contains discussion of sexual assault which some viewers might find distressing.

+ Q&A with director Juliana Antunes. UK Premiere.

In partnership with MUBI.

Nominated for the Open City Award.

Born in 1989 and graduating in Filmmaking at UNA University in Belo Horizonte, Juliana Antunes is a founding partner at VENTURA, with Marcella Jacques and Laura Godoy. Baronesa was awarded Best Picture at the Tiradentes Film Festival 2017, where it had its World Premiere and won three prizes at 28º FIDMarseille, in France, including the Audience Award. She is currently finishing her short film Control Plan, and developing her second feature film Hit and Back Copacabana.