Barren Lives

Vidas Secas

A landmark Cinema Novo classic of drought, migration and human resilience.

  • Director

    Nelson Pereira dos Santos

  • With

    Átila Iório, Maria Ribeiro

  • Brazil 1963. 100min

  • Digital 4K

  • English subtitles

A migrant family and their dog cross the drought-stricken arid Sertão region in a desperate bid to survive. Pereira dos Santos adapts Graciliano Ramos’ acclaimed 1938 novel, one of Brazil’s key literary works, employing stark landscapes and non-professional performances to stunning effect. It is regarded as a foundational Cinema Novo work – a devastating yet deeply humane portrait of poverty, endurance and cyclical displacement.

The screening of Barren Lives on Wednesday 10 June will be introduced by Dr Tiago de Luca, University of Warwick.