Santos negros no cinema brasileiro : representação, espiritualidade e identidade cultural

Abstract

Black saints hold significant historical and symbolic relevance, serving as resistance, spirituality, and identity figures for Afro-descendant communities. Their visual representation, particularly in cinema, has played a crucial role in cultural reinterpretation and the construction of narratives that challenge Eurocentric paradigms. This presentation examines how Brazilian cinema has portrayed black saints, exploring how these representations engage with collective memory, Afro-descendant spirituality, and dynamics of religious syncretism. The study addresses the importance of these figures in shaping a sense of belonging and resistance, as well as the challenges surrounding their appropriation and depiction in cinematic contexts. Through analysing two representative films, we investigate how cinematic language shapes perceptions of black saints and their connections to popular religiosity, highlighting tensions between faith, identity, and cultural heritage. This research reflects on the impact of these representations on the social imagination, emphasising the role of cinema in the appreciation and preservation of Afro-descendant traditions. By discussing the significance of black saints’ imagery in cinema, this presentation aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of black spirituality in shaping cultural identity and affirming religious diversity in the cinematic space.