Los Pibes leads the dog pack against the hands that steals

Directing duo Los Pibes (The Boys) have conceived and delivered an ambitious film that centers the struggles of the marginalized people of Brazil and the Amazon. 

In a pulse-pounding video accompanied by a high-octane soundtrack, one person stands up to the paragons of leadership in Brazil; three men embodying the views of the conservative ruralist, military interests, and the capitalist. One person becomes a dozen, becomes hundreds, becomes a movement. 

The punk soundtrack is emphasized by the alley, the graffiti on the wall, the barking dogs in the background, and the dirt on the streets, adding a nice level of detail to the film. Los Pibes have done low-budget well, with engaging visuals and a strong focus. The masks on the conservatives are evocative and surreal, and the way that people respond and keep moving forward is well done - it feels as if the people have grown from the ground in response to the problems facing Brazil. 

Overall, the perspective is unapologetic and political. It does not shy away from symbolic content, but neither does it try to hide it. Matilha is energetic and engaging, and the support of production company Awake Films makes them a studio to keep an eye on in the future.