The Blue Trail

In Gabriel Mascaro’s latest feature, the acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker reinvents the road movie through the lens of a dystopian future. Blending playful allegories with his hypnotic visual language, Mascaro reflects on memory, displacement, and the fragile ties that connect humanity and the landscapes they inhabit. In this fictional future, the Brazilian government enforces a new policy: all citizens who turn 77 are forcibly moved to state-run colonies for economic growth. Tereza, brilliantly portrayed by Denise Weinberg, refuses to give in easily. Before her forced relocation, she sets out on one last journey to fulfil her final wish, a plane ride. Her travels take her deep into the Amazon, where unexpected friendships change her view on life.

Premiering at the 2025 Berlinale, The Blue Trail won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize and has captivated audiences worldwide. The film tackles pressing issues such as ageism, discrimination, and totalitarian regimes, while balancing moments of poetic intimacy against the vastness of the rainforest. Mascaro introduces viewers to the anthropology of the region, highlighting alligator meat factories and secret underground networks in his narrative. The additional detail provides the film with an authentic texture that’s deeply ingrained within the culture and customs of the land. The Blue Trail not only expands the scope of Brazilian arthouse filmmaking; it also offers a profound meditation on resistance and freedom. - Gabe Sousa