In Brazil there are no slaves, just those paid to live like them.

Seventeen-year-old Jean lives an insulated existence in one of Rio's ultra-wealthy gated communities. But when the family's finances begin to crumble, Jean is forced to start riding the bus to school. Meeting the spirited but poor Luiza on one of these journeys, the two embark upon a tentative romance, but the boundaries of class cut deeper than either of them could imagine.

A sharply observed, semi-autobiographical tale of privilege and poverty, Casa Grande is the impressively measured feature debut from writer/director Fellipe Barbosa. Winning the FIPRESCI Award at Toulouse, the film offers a timely and humane reflection on the crushing inequalities that define Brazil as it strives to become a global force.

"Confident and quietly promising ... showcasing a fine, consistently believable and sympathetic central performance." – Hollywood Reporter