2022,
Brazil,
Erika Hilton,
Portuguese,
Director: Pedro Henrique França
Release Year: 2022
Title in English: Political Bodies
Synopsis:
In a world where the far-right is rising to power, and political struggles intensify, "Corpolítica" (2022) emerges as a vital documentary capturing the intersection of identity, politics, and the fight for representation. Directed by Pedro Henrique França, the film documents the experiences of four queer candidates during Brazil's 2020 municipal elections, a historic moment marked by an unprecedented surge in LGBTQIA+ candidates.
In July 2020, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, as hospitals strained under rising cases and political chaos engulfed Brazil, a significant political shift began to take place. The National LGBTQIA+ Alliance announced an extraordinary increase in the number of LGBTQIA+ candidates running for municipal office across the country. This revelation came at a time when the political climate in Brazil was increasingly hostile towards LGBTQIA+ individuals, with a government openly antagonistic to their rights.
For Pedro Henrique França, this moment presented an opportunity to delve into an urgent and underrepresented story. França, a journalist, screenwriter, and director, was motivated to capture this rare phenomenon on film, asking why this was happening during a pandemic, at a time when they had a government that was openly anti-LGBTQIA+. This question spurred the creation of "Corpolítica", a documentary that not only explores the candidates' personal and political journeys but also reflects on broader issues of queer visibility and political representation.
"Corpolítica" was a collaborative effort between director Pedro Henrique França and his friend, actor Marco Pigossi, who served as producer. The film follows four emerging queer political figures in Brazil—Monica Benicio, William de Lucca, Andréa Bak, and Erika Hilton—each representing one of the first four letters of the LGBTQIA+ acronym. These four individuals were chosen not only for their political significance but also for their compelling personal stories and diverse backgrounds.
França had previously followed the careers of Monica Benicio, a lesbian woman and widow of the slain councilwoman Marielle Franco, and Erika Hilton, the first trans woman elected to the Brazilian Congress and the most voted woman in the 2020 municipal elections. He also became acquainted with the activist William de Lucca, a gay journalist, and Andréa Bak, a 21-year-old bisexual candidate full of youthful energy and activism.
The documentary tracks their campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Brazil's social distancing and mask mandates created an unusual backdrop for political engagement. The filmmakers followed these candidates not only as they navigated the electoral process but also through intimate interviews with their families—an essential component of the film. The exploration of family dynamics reveals how acceptance at home plays a crucial role in shaping the public identities and political journeys of these candidates.
From the outset, França emphasized the importance of including the subject of family in the film, as the family relationship has everything to do with the acceptance in the world and, consequently, with the understanding of the places we can occupy and the powers we can exercise. This theme of family acceptance and its impact on LGBTQIA+ people’s involvement in politics is woven throughout "Corpolítica".
The film offers a poignant portrayal of Erika Hilton’s relationship with her mother. A deeply religious woman, Hilton’s mother expelled her daughter from their home when she was 15, a decision she later regretted. The reconciliation between them after years of estrangement illustrates the personal transformation that can occur within families, and how this shift can lead to broader societal change. In this case, Hilton’s mother became an active advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights within her church community.
Other secondary figures featured in the documentary include politicians like Fernando Holiday and Thammy Miranda, both of whom, despite identifying as gay and trans, respectively, supported politicians who oppose LGBTQIA+ rights in the 2018 elections. The film also features activists and political figures such as Erica Malunguinho, Renata Carvalho, and Jean Wyllys, providing a broader context to the ongoing struggles for LGBTQIA+ representation in Brazil's political landscape.
"Corpolítica" not only highlights the lives and campaigns of these four individuals but also explores the historical and political context of LGBTQIA+ rights in Brazil. It draws comparisons with another Brazilian documentary, "
Meu Corpo é Político" (2017), which illustrates that simply existing as a trans person in Brazil, despite the daily violence they face, is a form of political activism. "Corpolítica", however, takes this further by underscoring the critical importance of LGBTQIA+ individuals occupying positions of power within the government to ensure the survival and rights of their communities.
França emphasizes that the LGBTQIA+ community in Brazil is drastically underrepresented in political spaces. “LGBTQIA+ people represent only 0.16% of political participation in Brazil, the country where the most LGBTQIA+ people are murdered in the world. It is impossible not to link these two pieces of information. We need to legislate about our bodies, but we are not present in the places where laws are made,” he argues.
The documentary is not just a portrayal of political campaigns but a call to action. It aims to inspire LGBTQIA+ individuals to see political participation as an essential tool for addressing the structural issues that affect their lives. “This film hopes to awaken LGBTQIA+ bodies to politics and make us discuss it again,” França asserts. "Corpolítica" positions politics as a critical tool for addressing and resolving the deep-rooted issues of discrimination, violence, and inequality faced by LGBTQIA+ people in Brazil.
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As the world grapples with the rise of authoritarian and far-right political movements, "Corpolítica" serves as a timely and urgent reminder of the necessity of inclusive politics. By following the personal and political journeys of four queer candidates, the documentary highlights how their involvement in the political process is not merely a matter of personal ambition but a vital act of resistance against the forces that seek to silence and marginalize LGBTQIA+ voices.
In a country where LGBTQIA+ people remain disproportionately affected by violence and discrimination, "Corpolítica" offers hope and a roadmap for change. Through its powerful storytelling and intimate portrayal of the struggles of its protagonists, the film makes an impassioned case for the importance of diverse political representation and the need to ensure that marginalized communities have a seat at the table where decisions about their lives and bodies are made.
Pedro Henrique França’s "Corpolítica" is more than just a documentary—it is a call for action, a reminder of the power of representation, and a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community in Brazil.
Image credits: YouTube
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