Connecticut Film Festival 2008

It's early spring, 1959 and a year has passed since Albert’s father died in an avalanche; forcing Albert, his mother and his baby tortoise "Ed" to move in with Albert’s ill grandfather in California. Albert is an outsider with the neighborhood kids. And when Ed dies suddenly one evening, Albert loses his only friend.

An intense and astonishing look at the notorious, volatile slums (favelas) on the edge of the Rio de Janeiro, and the drug trafficking militias who have virtual control there. Brazil's elite BOPE force (State Police Battalion) combats drug trafficking, but keeping order has its price, and it can be difficult to distinguish right from wrong, and justice from revenge. Danbury Directed by José Padilha, (BUS 174), and written by Padilha, Academy Award® nominated writer Bráulio Mantovani (CITY OF GOD) and Rodrigo Pimentel, based on Pimentel’s 19 years as a military police officer and BOPE Captain. Followed by post-screening reception at 9:00PM at Delicious Bread Bakery, located at 35 White Street, featuring Brazilian food, drinks and live music by local artist Arildo Chagas. Hosted by Tribuna Newspaper and co-sponsored by Delicious Bread Bakery and Hamilton Mortgage. To RSVP call 203-730-0457.