Thursday is the first of three November holidays in São Paulo, and I'll be travelling tomorrow night for some much-needed relaxation. The Mostra prize winners will be announced on Thursday night along with a screening of a restored copy of the 1969 classic Macunaíma directed by Joaquim Pedro de Andrade, one of Cinema Novo's most celebrated directors who is being honored this year with a retrospective. From the Mostra's tribute:

"Macunaíma innovated on the aesthetics of Cinema Novo, incorporating elements of slapstick comedy and transfiguring facts from political life that permeate the epic description of Macunaíma's wanderings among figures from popular mythology. An emblematic film from the late sixties, the film brough a heritage of modernism up to and established a much desired link between Cinema Novo and the public."

High praise. I'm excited about finally having a chance to see this classic that everyone here seems to love -- fortunately, the restored copy will be released here theatrically.

My short mid-fest report on the Mostra is up on indieWIRE: "At 30 Years, the São Paulo International Film Festival Celebrates Its Legacy." Be sure to check back here to see who took the top prizes on Thursday night.