Amidst pressure from his parents to choose his future career and study for the university entrance exams, Jean ends up falling in love with Luiza, a mixed-race girl in a nearby (but less regarded) school. As Jean and Luiza get to know each other, it becomes apparent that Jean’s father Hugo is trying to hide the demise of his hedge fund company. As their new reality sinks in, Hugo begins to fire his most trusted staff and to cut back on essentials at home. But despite everyone’s best efforts, this family’s economic troubles end up threatening their very survival.  A beautifully observed and acted story of class distinctions, race relations and family conflict, CASA GRANDE has the rare distinction of having started a national discussion in Brazil around issues of class privilege and racism.

San Diego: Playing now at Digital Gym.