Projects

The Contract

The Contract is a documentary about an unusual arrangement between an elderly woman and her much younger samba teacher.

Media

Brazil & Aotearoa New Zealand

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Image: Rowena Baines

Set in Rio de Janeiro, The Contract is a 15-minute documentary about an unusual arrangement between an elderly woman and her much younger samba teacher. This “contract” between the two gives the older woman a new lease of life and shows you are only as old as the man you dance with.

The film introduces us to Dona Arlette Vidigal. Dona was 76 when the film was made and is still dancing today at 87 years old. Not only does she have admirable physicality, she also transcends social barriers by building a beautiful friendship with a 20-year-old samba teacher. The film highlights how times have changed. In the past, women were escorts to parties; today young men also take on this role, catering for the demand in the dance community caused by an imbalance between leaders and followers.

The Contract was directed and produced by New Zealander Rowena Baines. It grew from a short film she created in 2012, for her Masters in Science Communication qualification in documentary filmmaking at University of Otago. Originally a dancer, Rowena has often spent time dancing in the communities around Rio de Janeiro, and is well known in Brazil for her dance photography. Now a filmmaker, Rowena uses film as a catalyst for social change.

The Contract was selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival (2014) and Doc Edge Festival (2015). It was last screened in Rio de Janeiro in 2019, at Cachanga do Malandro.

Published 02 November 2023