On the lead up to Carnaval, a group of women in the rural Brazilian northeast aim to break traditional social roles and gender stereotypes by taking part in the world's first and only all-female Maracatu troupe.
Thina, Sonia, and Eliane reside in Nazare Da Mata, northeast Brazil, home of Maracatu – a century-old Carnival performance tradition. This year, they will once again take part in the first-ever all-female Maracatu troupe, taking on the roles of warriors, kings and chiefs that are historically played only by men. As Carnaval approaches, they begin to push up against the limits of their equally traditional “supporting” roles of mothers, daughters, and helpers as they claim space in their local culture. Following Thina, Sonia and Eliane through a week leading up to Carnaval, Heart of The Hinterlands is a nuanced and colorful observation of their daily battles as they redefine what it means to be a woman in today’s world.
World Premiere - Micheaux Film Festival 2023
