Watch Five Times Chico - The Sao Francisco River and His People

Five Times Chico - The Sao Francisco River and His People is a powerful and poignant documentary film directed by veteran Brazilian filmmaker, Leon Hirszman. Released in 1975, the film traces the history and the cultural significance of the Sao Francisco River, which is known as the "River of National Unity" in Brazil. The film follows the river and its inhabitants from its source in the Serra da Canastra Mountains, down through the arid and impoverished Northeast Region, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The São Francisco river is Brazil's third-longest river and is considered to be the main source of water for millions of people living in the Northeastern region of Brazil.

The film is divided into five episodes, each of which examines a different aspect of the river and its people. The first episode focuses on the indigenous people who once lived near the source of the river and who are now fighting to preserve their culture and way of life. The second episode explores the role of the river in the colonial era and the impact of colonization on the people who lived there. The third episode delves into the struggle of the Northeastern peasants who live near the river and their efforts to survive in an area plagued by drought and poverty.

The fourth episode looks at the modernization of the Northeast, where urbanization has brought about changes that are fundamentally altering the region's social and cultural fabric. Finally, the last episode takes a look at the contemporary ecological issues facing the river and the people who depend on it, including pollution and dam construction.

Throughout the film, the Sao Francisco River is portrayed not only as a vital source of water and livelihood for the people of the Northeast, but also as a symbol of the exploitation, oppression, and struggle that have defined the country's history. The film features a range of voices, including indigenous leaders, peasants, religious leaders, politicians, and intellectuals, each of whom sheds light on the complicated and often controversial relationship between the river and its people.

What makes Five Times Chico - The Sao Francisco River and His People so compelling is its unflinching and uncompromising portrayal of the region's social and environmental issues. Rather than shying away from difficult and uncomfortable topics, the film confronts them head-on, exposing the systemic injustices and inequalities that have plagued the Northeast for centuries.

At the same time, the film is grounded in a deep love and reverence for the river and its people, with stunning images of the region's natural beauty and diverse culture woven throughout. Hirszman's camera lingers over the faces of the people he interviews, capturing their humanity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Overall, Five Times Chico - The Sao Francisco River and His People is a must-see for anyone interested in the complex and often fraught relationship between humans and the environment. It is a thought-provoking and deeply moving film that offers a unique view into the history and culture of Brazil's Northeast Region, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our world's natural resources and the communities that depend on them.

Five Times Chico - The Sao Francisco River and His People is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.