Symbol of resistance to the military dictatorship, Manoel da Conceição from Maranhão is one of the greatest socio-political leaders in the country and has his story told in a documentary released in February.
Persecuted, tortured and exiled, Manoel da Conceição dedicated his life to organizing the fight for the rights of rural workers. Between several prisons, injured and without medical assistance, he had a leg amputated and made history the mark of his resistance under the motto: “My leg is my class!”, Title of the documentary.
Production is by Cássia Melo, directed by filmmaker Arturo Saboia, award-winning duo, winner of 6 Kikitos at the Gramado Festival for the film lullabyan adaptation of a short story by Mia Couto.
Cássia Melo (dress) and Arturo Saboia (in black) next to Manoel da Conceição’s family, in São Luís (MA). / File
“To tell Manoel’s story is to tell the story of Brazil. We’re talking about a man who needs to rescue his memory of his life, because basically he started the Workers’ Party issue, founded it with Lula, and together with other people he represents the rural workers’ class”, says Cássia Melo.
Production began in 2019, with the collection of reports, interviews and historical materials about Manoel da Conceição, with the challenge of summarizing his trajectory in an hour and a half. Even so, many scenes ended up being left out, which is why the production is considering making a documentary series.
“We had a hard time summarizing his life in 1h30, but we thought that a series of three thirty-minute chapters was already there, and there was still a lot to be told. So we wait and even appeal for interested people and companies to get in touch with us”, he explains.
Manoel da Conceição and partner Denise Leal, alongside Flávio Dino and Lula. / File
With his physical and psychological conditions already weakened, Manoel died on July 18, 2021, in Imperatriz, in the interior of Maranhão, where he lived until the last moments with his partner Denise Leal.
“For me it was a pleasant surprise, with a lot of emotion. Everything in Manoel’s life doesn’t come out there, because it’s impossible, but I got too emotional, too much (…) I don’t even talk about it much, you know?”, says Denise Leal moved.
The documentary highlights historical clippings from the period of the military dictatorship, where Manoel was considered a criminal.
“Many times he was seen negatively by the dictatorship, they did a lot of propaganda against him, but not now, now people know who he really was. I think everyone should watch this film, regardless of whether they like it or not, but I don’t think there are those who don’t like Manoel… just the dictatorship itself”.
Manoel da Conceição and daughter Mariana Nóbrega, born during the period of exile in Geneva. / File
Youngest daughter of Manoel da Conceição, Mariana Nóbrega contributes to social movements in Maranhão and talks about the legacy left by her father, in addition to the importance of continuing this fight.
“I think it’s impossible for us to let go and not continue this fight. The greatest legacy we can have is to continue this fight, preserve memory, make us fight for a more just, humane, fraternal and supportive world, where people have access to dignity, better living conditions and that they may be thinking mainly of the field, which is so marginalized. The countryside as a place of life, art, preservation and conservation of the environment and culture of that place”, explains Mariana Nóbrega.
Service
The documentary is not yet available to the general public, with only occasional free screenings. The next screening will be on March 18, at Cinemateca Brasileira, in São Paulo, at 7 pm.
According to the production, the material will initially be made available to social movements and entities linked to Manoel da Conceição’s struggle, but will soon be available on streaming platforms. For more information visit instagram @minhapernaminhaclasse.
Editing: Rodrigo Durão Coelho
