Poets of the People

For centuries, poets have wandered the Brazilian hinterland, bringing tales of real and imaginary events, as well as gossip and news, to the most remote corners of the region. Their language is poetry. The German makers of this film follow the itinerant poets on their journey through the Sertão, one of the most impoverished parts of the world. They carry with them poetry and songs that tell of love and politics, murder and miracles. At celebrations on city squares and at funerals, they mourn the street kids and sing the praises of Michael Jackson, they voice their concern about violence and corruption, and they celebrate love. Someone in the audience explains that the poems comfort them and chase away bad thoughts. In a region where orphan children have to beg on the streets, poets such as Gato Novo and Chico Pedrosa provide more than simple entertainment. Their rousing, melancholy songs and poems bring strength and understanding. They are truly poets of the people. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)