Salvador, Bahia, is the third largest city in Brazil, with a population of over 2.7 million. Eighty percent of the city is of African descent, making Salvador one of the largest urban black populations outside of Africa. Yet, despite this overwhelming majority, the pervasive influence of the Euro-centric values of the elite minority is striking.

For the past three decades the Bahian Afro-Brazilian group Ilê Aiyê has been an agent of black consciousness, with social work helping individuals in the community, raising collective pride and awareness of African culture, and speaking with a political voice in issues of racial discrimination.

Filmmaker Carolina Moraes-Liu's documentary Ebony Goddess: Queen of Ilê Aiyê  tells the story of three young women searching for identity and self-esteem as they compete to be the queen of Ilê Aiyê. The documentary explores the contest’s role in reshaping the idea of beauty around Afro-centric notions of beauty,  as opposed to prevailing standards in Brazil, a country famous for slim supermodels and plastic surgery.

The well-received film will be making its NY premiere at the African Diaspora International Film Festival at the Anthology Film Archives on December 8th.

Ebony Goddess: Queen of Ilê Aiyê

(2010, Brazil, 20min)

Date: Wednesday, December 8th at 8:30PM

Location: Anthology Film Archives (32 Second Avenue at 2nd St.)

For more information about the film or its filmmaker, visit the official film website.