Madame Sata

Madame Sata is inspired by the life of one of the most remarkable figures in Brazilian popular culture, João Francisco dos Santos (1900-1976).

Bandit, transvestite, street fighter, brothel cook, convict and father to seven adopted children, João – better known as Madame Satã – was also a notorious gay performer who pushed social boundaries in a volatile time. The story begins in 1932, in Rio de Janeiro's bohemian Lapa district, when João is about to achieve his dream: becoming a stage star.

In the sordid yet lively world of Lapa, populated by pimps, prostitutes and other denizens of Rio's underworld, João battles the streets and presides over a surrogate family that includes the charming prostitute Laurita, and her baby daughter whom everyone dotes on; the flamboyant hustler Taboo; João's teenage lover, Renatinho; and Amador, the owner of the Blue Danube club, which is their second home. It’s at the Blue Danube where João begins to sing, and the mythic drag artiste Madame Satã is born.

Winner of over 16 International Film Awards, including 5 Brazillian Academy Awards.

“A Voluptuous, Hot-Blooded Portrait! Ramos’s incendiary performance burns like a fuse!” – Stephen Holden, NEW YORK TIMES

“Boasting powerful, gritty performances and an immediate sense of the dark streets, bohemian boites, poverty and violence that form the characters' habitat, "Madame Sata" is an intensely realized, beautifully shot drama.” – THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Watch the trailer:

		Broadband

Related links:
Madame Sata Web site

Melbourne Premiere:
Melbourne premiere of MADAME SATA at Lumiere Cinemas, which featured a roof shaking performance by MelSamba, Australia's premier Samba band, led by precussionist Carlos Ferreira.
http://www.melsamba.com