This module will examine a selection of films from the Retomada (renaissance) of Brazilian cinema (1995-onwards). It will focus on aspects of national identity and culture exposed in the films and in the relationship of the films with Brazilian literature and drama. The course will provide a contextual view of important issues concerning life in the cities and in the backlands, such as social-economic inclusion/exclusion, the 'favelas' and the 'Sertao'. It will also introduce key concepts of film studies (eg point-of-view, ideology, genre) and discuss aspects of film narrative and aesthetics to enable students to develop an analytical and critical perspective on the films.