In Cannes, Sergio Machado's "Cidade Baixa" (Lower City) was awarded the 24th Prix de la Jeunesse, the youth prize of the Festival de Cannes. The first feature from Brazilian director Sergio Machado was selected by a jury of nine young film buffs.

In a statement the film was described as following "the stormy course of a love triangle: Deco and Naldinho have been buddies since childhood. Now they own a motorboat, which they use for their illicit dealings and their career as petty criminals. One day, they meet the stripper Karinna, and, of course, both fall in love with her."