Glauber Rocha's Black God, White Devil is the film that announced Brazilian Cinema Novo to the world - a delirious, sun-blasted western about a cowherd, a false prophet and a bounty hunter, made on almost nothing in the drought country of the sertao. Anthology Film Archives is exactly the right room for it: a former courthouse turned brutalist film archive that has been showing work like this in the East Village since 1970. Go for the late screening and let it wreck the rest of your evening.
What to expect
A no-frills repertory cinema with raked seating, serious projection and an audience that is there for the film rather than the snacks. Expect subtitles and no advertising before the show. The building also houses a film library and gallery space.
Good to know
- The F to Second Avenue or the 6 to Astor Place both leave a short walk
- Anthology is a repertory archive - screenings often do not repeat, so catch it when it plays
- Seating is unreserved, so arrive a little early for a good sightline
- There is no concession spectacle; eat before you go
- The East Village around Second Avenue is dense with late food after the screening
- The theater is small and screenings of canonical titles fill up
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Common questions
What is Cinema Novo?
A Brazilian film movement of the 1960s and 70s that used low budgets and radical politics to confront social inequality.
Is the film subtitled?
Yes, it screens in Portuguese with English subtitles.
What is Anthology Film Archives?
A film archive and repertory cinema in the East Village, founded in 1970 and devoted to experimental and avant-garde cinema.
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