MANDA BALA (SEALED)

Released in 2007, Manda Bala is a gripping and stylistically bold documentary that explores the cycles of violence and corruption in Brazil. It famously won the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.

• The Premise: The film examines the connection between the kidnapping of the wealthy in São Paulo, the corruption of powerful politicians, and a frog farm used as a front for money laundering.

• Key Subjects: It follows three distinct threads: a corrupt politician, a businessman who has been kidnapped and mutilated, and a plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructing the ears of kidnap victims.

• The Tone: Described as "powerful" and "astonishing," the film uses a cinematic, thriller-like aesthetic to expose a society where the rich steal from the poor and the poor steal from the rich.

• Accolades: In addition to its Sundance win, it was a winner of three 2008 Cinema Eye Honors, including Best Feature Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.