A Professora de Francês explores social terror in Brazilian cinema

The Brazilian film ‘A Professora de Francês’ uses the horror genre to critique social issues, specifically focusing on religious fanaticism and the imposition of traditional values. Set in Belo Horizonte, the story follows Graça, a French teacher played by Grace Passô, who returns to her childhood home and finds her intimacy threatened by a local Christian sect.

Director Ricardo Alves Jr. describes the film’s approach as ‘terror à mineira,’ a concept where control is exerted through affection and the guise of protection. The film has been featured at the São Paulo International Film Festival, the San Sebastián International Film Festival, and the Rio Film Festival, where it won awards for Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Original Soundtrack.

The production is part of a growing trend in Brazilian cinema where horror is used to address contemporary anxieties, including masculinity crises, institutional racism, and the pressures of traditional family structures.