Brazilian cinema spotlight: 'Era Uma Vez em Hollywood' and Zezé Motta's 'Xica da Silva

An analysis of the new film *Era Uma Vez em Hollywood* highlights how it pays homage to classic cinema through deliberate pacing, cinematography, sound design and narrative structure, encouraging viewers to watch more attentively and appreciate the film’s deeper dialogue with Hollywood’s past.

In a separate piece, actress Zezé Motta reflects on the 1976 landmark *Xica da Silva*, which made her a national icon. She describes the role as a career‑defining breakthrough that brought a powerful Black female protagonist to Brazilian screens during the military dictatorship. The restored 4K version has returned to cinemas, and Motta notes its lasting influence on new generations of actors.