Carlos Diegues

Directing

Carlos Diegues

Born 1940-05-19 · Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil

Carlos José Fontes Diegues OMC, known as Cacá Diegues (Maceió, May 19, 1940 – Rio de Janeiro, February 14, 2025), was a Brazilian filmmaker. He was one of the founders of Cinema Novo.

Acting credits

Improvised and Purposeful: Cinema Novo poster
7.5

Originally produced for German TV, Improvised and Purposeful is a firsthand look at the "Cinema Novo" movement (otherwise known as the 'Brazilian New Wave'). Director Joaquim Pedro de Andrade focuses on six Cinema Novo filmmakers working in Rio in 1967.

Improvised and Purposeful: Cinema Novo

1967

Looking for Black Orpheus poster
9.0

Documentary about Marcel Camus' 1959 film Black Orpheus, its cultural and musical roots, and its resonance in Brazil today.

Looking for Black Orpheus

2005

No artwork available
NR

No synopsis available yet.

Mais Luz

1986

Dossiê Jango poster
7.5

João Goulart (known as Jango) had been democratically elected president of Brazil, but was expelled from office after the coup of April 1, 1964. After that, Jango lived in exile in Argentina, where he died in 1976. The circumstances of his death in the neighboring country were not well explained today. His body was buried immediately after his death, raising the suspicions of premeditated murder. This documentary brings the issue back to the fore and tries to publicly clarify some obscure facts of the history of Brazil.

Dossiê Jango

2013

Armando Costa: “Televisão pra Mim Não é Bico” poster
NR

Armando Costa was one of Brazil's most successful authors, both in terms of audience and critical acclaim, responsible for shows like "A Grande Família" and "Malu Mulher." Despite this, he didn't care about fame or signing his works.

Armando Costa: “Televisão pra Mim Não é Bico”

2024

Asdrúbal Trouxe o Trombone poster
6.1

No synopsis available yet.

Asdrúbal Trouxe o Trombone

2017

Fênix poster
9.0

No synopsis available yet.

Fênix

1980

Claves, 3: Small mother country, great mother country poster
NR

Documentary in four parts on Latin American cinema. Third episode: from the 1960s, France and Europe showed a real enthusiasm for Latin American cinema, but the latter remained hampered by numerous economic and political obstacles.

Claves, 3: Small mother country, great mother country

1984

No artwork available
NR

Reel 9 of Gérard Courant's on-going Cinematon series.

Cinématon IX

1980

Candango: Memoirs from a Festival poster
5.0

In 1965, a year after the military coup in Brazil, an oasis of freedom opened in the country's capital. The Brasília Film Festival: a landmark of cultural and political resistance. Its story is that of Brazilian cinema itself.

Candango: Memoirs from a Festival

2020

Tributo: Zezé Motta poster
9.0

No synopsis available yet.

Tributo: Zezé Motta

2024

Rio's Love Song poster
6.1

Four love stories which portray a wide gamut of emotions and desires against the backdrop of Rio de Janeiro. "Elephant's Stomp" : the story of a highway patrol officer who is infatuated with a mulatto dancer at a local nightclub. "Drao" : a publicity man and a boutique owner who face a crises in their marriage. "You Are Beautiful" : two homeless teenagers seek love amidst their personal misery. "Samba of the Great Passion" : a book maker who is charmed and captivated by the voice of a female singer coming from a building across the street. Characters in search of love in order to escape from the boredom, loneliness and helplessness of their lives.

Rio's Love Song

1994

Brazilian Cinema in the 20th Century poster
NR

Two years of research and visits to collections, cinematheques and museums; almost seventy interviews that generated 30 hours of recorded material; more than two hundred scanned photos and more than one hundred films watched. In total, more than a thousand hours of work were needed to prepare Brazilian Cinema in the 20th Century. The work is a fascinating journey through all the cinematic cycles that Brazil lived, from the pioneering Belle Époque, through the great studios like Atlântica and Cinédia, Cinema Novo, the urban comedies of the 70's, until the resumption in the late 90's. The documentary is unique, it gives the floor to who really wrote and lived this story intensely.

Brazilian Cinema in the 20th Century

2017

Claves, 1: How Tasty Was My Little Frenchman poster
NR

Documentary in four parts on Latin American cinema. First episode: the influences of Cahiers du cinéma, the New Wave, Italian neorealism. In Brazil, Cinema Novo draws inspiration from these models while drawing on the historical and cultural singularity of the country. The documentary was awarded the Prix Makhila d’or at the Festival de Biarritz, France.

Claves, 1: How Tasty Was My Little Frenchman

1984

Depois do Transe poster
2.0

The documentary "Depois do Transe" covers the entire process of creating the masterpiece "Entranced Earth", which was released and awarded at the Cannes Film Festival in 1967. "Entranced Earth" charmed the world and won great admirers such as filmmaker Martin Scorsese and the writer Marguerite Duras, who at the time considered a "fabulous filmic opera."

Depois do Transe

2006

Memórias do Grupo Opinião poster
NR

Follows the story of Opinião, a theatre group created in 1964 during the early Brazilian dictatorship period to oppose the government through artistic performances. Considered the first left-wing response to the dictatorship, the group gathered now famous Brazilian artists such as Nara Leão, Maria Bethânia, João do Vale and Millôr Fernandes.

Memórias do Grupo Opinião

2019

Nelson Sargento poster
10.0

Biographical portrait of samba dancer Nelson Sargento in Morro da Mangueira, Rio de Janeiro.

Nelson Sargento

1997

Coisa Mais Linda - Histórias e Casos da Bossa Nova poster
7.3

Documentary about the birth of bossa-nova, in Brazil, and the major stars of this musical style.

Coisa Mais Linda - Histórias e Casos da Bossa Nova

2005

The Suns of Easter Island poster
6.4

Six people find a mysterious mark in the center of their left hand and all independently go to Easter Island in hopes to uncover the mystery.

The Suns of Easter Island

1972

Em Quadro: A História de 4 Negros nas Telas poster
NR

A documentary that tells the history of 4 famous actors in Brazil.

Em Quadro: A História de 4 Negros nas Telas

2009

Fernando Coni Campos: Cada um Vive como Sonha poster
NR

No synopsis available yet.

Fernando Coni Campos: Cada um Vive como Sonha

2026

Pitanga poster
5.6

This documentary investigates the aesthetic, political and existential trajectory of emblematic Black Brazilian actor Antônio Pitanga. His career spans over five decades, and he has worked with iconic Brazilian filmmakers Glauber Rocha, Cacá Diegues and Walter Lima Jr. He was a prominent figurehead and outspoken activist during the Brazilian dictatorship, a period of unrest in Brazilian cinema. "Pitanga" deep dives into the world of Antônio and the history of Brazil. The documentary was directed by his daughter Camila Pitanga, one of widely recognised faces in Brazilian television and cinema right now. The film is also a poem, and a tender ode to fatherhood.

Pitanga

2016

For All - O Trampolim da Vitória poster
5.6

1943, World War II. The northeastern coast of Brazil is an strategic region for the Allies. Giancarlo, an Italian immigrant married to a Brazilian woman, lives nearby the Parnamirin Field, the largest military base built by the USA outside of their territory. In this new base, Brazilian recruits who speak English suddenly find themselves reaching privileged positions.

For All - O Trampolim da Vitória

1998

Arroz, Feijão e Cinema poster
NR

Arroz, Feijão e Cinema is a record of the transformative impacts that a popular movie theater, Ponto Cine, brought to the lives of the population of Guadalupe and adjacent neighborhoods in the Rio suburbs through a program exclusively of Brazilian films and projects from audience formation.

Arroz, Feijão e Cinema

2020

Behind the camera

Dr. Gama poster
8.0

Based on the biography of Luiz Gama, one of the most important characters in Brazilian history, a black man who used the laws and courts to free more than 500 slaves. Born of a free womb, Gama was sold into slavery at the age of 10 to pay off his father's gambling debts. Even as a slave, he became literate, studied and earned his own freedom, becoming one of the most respected lawyers of his time. An abolitionist and republican who inspired an entire country.

Dr. Gama

2021

The Great Mystical Circus poster
4.4

The story of five generations of the Austrian-Brazilian Knieps family, from the inauguration of their family-owned Great Mystical Circus in the 1910s up to the early 21st century, following both the family and the circus from their prime through to their decadence.

The Great Mystical Circus

2018

The Great Mystical Circus poster
4.4

The story of five generations of the Austrian-Brazilian Knieps family, from the inauguration of their family-owned Great Mystical Circus in the 1910s up to the early 21st century, following both the family and the circus from their prime through to their decadence.

The Great Mystical Circus

2018

God Is Still Brazilian poster
NR

God needs to return to Earth when celestial beings rebel against humanity and decide to launch another meteor to exterminate life on the planet.

God Is Still Brazilian

2026

God Is Brazilian poster
6.3

God decides to take a vacation, but first He has to find a saint who can rule the universe while He's away. So He goes to the Northeast of Brazil, where He believes there's a very good man for the job. As soon as He comes down to Earth, a young man comes along to help on His quest.

God Is Brazilian

2003

God Is Brazilian poster
6.3

God decides to take a vacation, but first He has to find a saint who can rule the universe while He's away. So He goes to the Northeast of Brazil, where He believes there's a very good man for the job. As soon as He comes down to Earth, a young man comes along to help on His quest.

God Is Brazilian

2003

Adorável Trapalhão poster
5.9

Epitácio is the driver of a widower musical entrepreneur. Concerned with the boss' happiness, Epitácio tries to find him a wife and introduces him to Lucy, the children's teacher, who dreams of becoming a singer.

Adorável Trapalhão

1967

River of Faith - An Encounter with Pope Francis poster
NR

The documentary talks about World Youth Day, held in Rio de Janeiro in 2013. The event was Pope Francis' first trip abroad and brought together more than 3 million young people from around the world. The film shows the confluence between Rio de Janeiro and the message transmitted through the Christian faith, listing similarities and specificities from the point of view of five aspects: the Church, the pilgrim, the city, the favela and other religions.

River of Faith - An Encounter with Pope Francis

2013

Luzia Homem poster
4.8

After witnessing the assassination of her parents, Luzia is raised by a cowboy and starts behaving like the men of Brazilian "Sertão". As a grown-up, she sets out to find her parent's murderer, but ends up discovering love.

Luzia Homem

1988

Tieta of Agreste poster
6.7

After being exiled for 26 years, Tieta returns to her native village in Bahia, bringing chaos and upheaving the local order.

Tieta of Agreste

1996

Tieta of Agreste poster
6.7

After being exiled for 26 years, Tieta returns to her native village in Bahia, bringing chaos and upheaving the local order.

Tieta of Agreste

1996

Better Days Ahead poster
6.8

Earning her living by dubbing American TV Series, a woman dreams of becoming an international Hollywood star.

Better Days Ahead

1989

Better Days Ahead poster
6.8

Earning her living by dubbing American TV Series, a woman dreams of becoming an international Hollywood star.

Better Days Ahead

1989

Better Days Ahead poster
6.8

Earning her living by dubbing American TV Series, a woman dreams of becoming an international Hollywood star.

Better Days Ahead

1989

Bye Bye Brazil poster
6.8

The Caravana Rolidei rolls into town with the Gypsy Lord at the mike: he does magic tricks, the erotic Salomé dances, and the mute Swallow performs feats of strength. A young accordion player is completely enamored of Salomé, and he begs to come along. The Gypsy Lord shrugs, and the accordionist and his pregnant wife, Dasdô, join the troupe.

Bye Bye Brazil

1980

Bye Bye Brazil poster
6.8

The Caravana Rolidei rolls into town with the Gypsy Lord at the mike: he does magic tricks, the erotic Salomé dances, and the mute Swallow performs feats of strength. A young accordion player is completely enamored of Salomé, and he begs to come along. The Gypsy Lord shrugs, and the accordionist and his pregnant wife, Dasdô, join the troupe.

Bye Bye Brazil

1980

Rio's Love Song poster
6.1

Four love stories which portray a wide gamut of emotions and desires against the backdrop of Rio de Janeiro. "Elephant's Stomp" : the story of a highway patrol officer who is infatuated with a mulatto dancer at a local nightclub. "Drao" : a publicity man and a boutique owner who face a crises in their marriage. "You Are Beautiful" : two homeless teenagers seek love amidst their personal misery. "Samba of the Great Passion" : a book maker who is charmed and captivated by the voice of a female singer coming from a building across the street. Characters in search of love in order to escape from the boredom, loneliness and helplessness of their lives.

Rio's Love Song

1994

Rio's Love Song poster
6.1

Four love stories which portray a wide gamut of emotions and desires against the backdrop of Rio de Janeiro. "Elephant's Stomp" : the story of a highway patrol officer who is infatuated with a mulatto dancer at a local nightclub. "Drao" : a publicity man and a boutique owner who face a crises in their marriage. "You Are Beautiful" : two homeless teenagers seek love amidst their personal misery. "Samba of the Great Passion" : a book maker who is charmed and captivated by the voice of a female singer coming from a building across the street. Characters in search of love in order to escape from the boredom, loneliness and helplessness of their lives.

Rio's Love Song

1994

Xica poster
7.0

The romanced story of Xica da Silva, a slave that used her "feminine atributes" in order to get power.

Xica

1976

Xica poster
7.0

The romanced story of Xica da Silva, a slave that used her "feminine atributes" in order to get power.

Xica

1976

Orfeu poster
5.4

Orfeu is a popular composer from a samba school. He lives in the favela and falls madly in love when he meets Euridice, a newcomer to the neighborhood. But the local drug boss Lucinho stands between them and will drastically change both their lives.

Orfeu

1999

Orfeu poster
5.4

Orfeu is a popular composer from a samba school. He lives in the favela and falls madly in love when he meets Euridice, a newcomer to the neighborhood. But the local drug boss Lucinho stands between them and will drastically change both their lives.

Orfeu

1999

Oito Universitários poster
9.0

The political activity of students in the 60s.

Oito Universitários

1967

Turn It Up, It's Rock 'n' Roll poster
7.2

The film tells the story of Luiz Antônio, a clumsy radio host, who unexpectedly finds himself in charge of a bankrupt radio station. Relying only on his passion for rock'n'roll and a crazy team, he creates one of the most emblematic radio stations in the history of Brazilian rock, Fluminense FM. Among guitar solos and radio signal interferences, we follow the adventures misadventures of Luiz.

Turn It Up, It's Rock 'n' Roll

2024