The first film that I can recall that I saw that was set in Rio De Janeiro was the 2002 “City of God” decades ago. In this latest film “Kites,” the faces of the kids in the favelas haven’t changed much since then, as well as the crime that permeates the hillside dwellings.
There is much despair and poverty, but in this beautifully crafted, visually distinct first-feature from writer-director Walter-Thompson Hernández, there is also community. If one kid ate, all his homies ate, too. One scene showed the one bottle of soda being split among 10 cups, and the store clerk was glad to oblige. Something that may have been frowned upon in other communities.
So now we get to community in this touching film. Duvo has lived all of his 25 years in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. His young life has been complicated, marked by the inherent violence of the gangs he’s been involved with.
But his world is also a magical one — a world where you can speak with your guardian angel, where your guardian angel not only looks out for you but uses their experience to counsel. Duvo’s guardian angel is Phil, a young man not unlike Duvo, who was a victim of police violence.
As Phil sees Duvo’s sincere desire for peace, change and redemption from his crime-bespotted past, an opportunity arises when a community kite festival in the favela is cancelled.
The community is devastated, and watching the pain and hurt in the faces of the children was heart wrenching. It’s such a simple event, but holds much promise for the kids. But Duvo steps up to finance and revive the event. Redemption is on the horizon for Duvo — as is his understanding of himself and the world around him.
Duvo wants to do good, as he walks bare chested with slides on his feet, wearing denim shorts and braided hair. But there’s always the ever present gun on his side. And there’s this package that he’s expecting that is probably the source of his income.
He’s a ruthless gang leader, and some of his crew are growing impatient with him. When he takes over the kite festival, because he knows the kids are looking forward to it, he is not taken seriously at first.
But the “OG’s,” or original gangsters, as I would call them, have recollections of when they were young and fashioning their kites or “pipas,” as well.
It was an exciting time in retrospect, and the kids are bursting with anticipation. Duvo isn’t the only one who has a guardian angel on his side. They periodically pop up for others in bright white t-shirts and luscious furry wings—as does the preacher extolling the virtues of living a Godly life.
The summary, ever present violence is unsettling, and shots ring throughout many nights. Duvo is pressing forward for redemption. A scene where he travels to the kite shop to place his order for the most vibrant variety is just as important as his kitchen table talk with his mother.
But it’s not enough—and some things fall just a bit short.
“Kites” is a lyrical, intimate portrait not only of a man seeking salvation but also a portrait of a whole vibrant community; one that is, like the kites that fly above it, connected by a delicate thread.—Jason Gutierrez, Tribeca principal.
Here’s an interview with the director. https://youtu.be/TCUb6BTiu2M?si=YoAeER4GUbDW7H55.
https://tribecafilm.com/films/kites-2025.
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood-South Side of Chicago (lulu.com