Antonia

In vila Brasilandia, a favela of Sao Paolo, four women who work as backup vocalists start their hip-hop group called Antonia. Initially its seems like a guaranteed plan but their dream of living off their music soon comes up against the barriers of poverty, violence and male chauvinism. The struggle to get themselves heard and makes ends meets soon puts their friendship with each other under pressure. Antonia is not a film about vulnerable women in a harsh society.On the contrary, the womens are model s of assertiveness and perserverance. Eventually it seems like all their efforts might pay off. Featuring four genunine Brazilian R&B and hip-hop stars in the lead roles, who play themselves in a story about their own lives, Antonia is filled with vital energy, greta music and ina irrepressible spirit. With great performances and relaxed but controlled direction, this is not a candy-coated motivational vehicles but a piece of solid dramatic cinema.