Festive Land examines one of the largest and most extraordinary popular celebrations in the world, the week-long Carnival that brings more than two million people to the streets of Salvador, the capital of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil. Carnival is the most expressive showcase of the unique cultural richness of Bahia, where African culture has survived, prospered, and evolved, mixing with other Brazilian influences to create forms found nowhere else in the world. The film captures this unique cultural energy through extraordinary footage of musical performances, dances, religious manifestations, and street celebrations. At the same time, Carnival reflects the racial and social tensions of Brazil's heterogeneous society. At first glance there appear to be two million people chaotically mixed on the streets, but a more detailed look reveals how patterns of segregation driven by racial, social and economic differences continue in Carnival.

Gilberto Gil
Self

Daniela Mercury
Self
Armandinho
Self

We
We

The Pharmacy: Shanghai
The Pharmacy: Shanghai

Bachiranun
Bachiranun

Prinzessinnenbad
Prinzessinnenbad

How to Cook Your Life
How to Cook Your Life

Good Game
Good Game

Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess
Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess

France / Tour / Detour / Two / Children
France / Tour / Detour / Two / Children

The Phantom of the Operator
The Phantom of the Operator
Sea Salt Flower
Sea Salt Flower

Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing
Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing

The Battle of The Alamo
The Battle of The Alamo