Filmmaking has become a major industry in Brazil and Venezuela. At times, filmmakers practice their craft during periods of strict government control or during periods of economic depression. Films can address particular political or economic issues, attempting to bring about social change. Filmmaking is also influenced by the often heavy hand of Hollywood.

You will be assigned topics that reflect the issues surrounding filmmaking in Brazil and Venezuela. With a partner, use what you have learned to write and perform a script for a television or radio program that reviews contemporary films. To prepare your broadcast, you will research the films of a variety of directors and their influence on Brazilian and Venezuelan cultures. You will also research how these films illustrate important issues in these societies.

Look at the photograph below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

Venezuelan Román Chalbaud (center) during the filming of La oveja negra in the 1980s. Photo courtesy of Archivo El Nacional.

• What functions do movies play in society?
• What special issues might this director have to face making a film in Latin America?
• What obstacles might stand in the way of this film being seen by viewers outside of Venezuela?

Use the World Cultures Today articles listed below to research various aspects of film and cinema in Brazil and Venezuela, paying particular attention to the issues the films address and the relative degree of government control exerted over the filmmaking process. As you read, keep your assigned topic in mind.

Use the Concept Map to organize your information. In the center oval, write your topic. In the surrounding ovals, write ideas about the content of your script. Be sure to include at least one details for each question or response from your interviewee.

Write your script. Decide who will be the interviewer and who will be the filmmaker. When prompted by the teacher, perform your broadcast for the class. Remember to clearly state the issues illustrated by the films. You may choose to use props such as a microphone or sound effect devices.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your writing:

• Did you include scene descriptions or factual details that realistically evoke Brazilian or Venezuelan life?
• Did you participate in both the writing and performing of the broadcast?
• Did you display appropriate use of language, tone, and conduct?