In the short film “Read the Wind,” directed by Brazilian filmmaker Bernardo Ale Abinader and French director Sharon Hakim, viewers are plunged into a world rich with meaning and urgency. We follow Marjorie, played by Isabela Catão, who traverses sandy dunes in search of a rare herb.
The film hints at a near-future environmental crisis. This is subtly introduced when Marjorie discovers a piece of plastic tangled around her leg. The narrative deepens as we see her return to her elderly mentor, also named Marjorie, portrayed by Esther de Paula. In a striking scene, the older Marjorie is depicted healing patients by extracting poisonous plastic from their bodies. This powerful imagery underscores how the environmental crisis impacts our health directly.
Esther de Paula’s performance is remarkable, especially as this appears to be her first significant role. She possesses a radiant quality reminiscent of Denise Weinberg in “The Blue Trail,” which also features Catão. This connection shows how these emerging talents are shaping Brazilian cinema.
The film’s production design effectively immerses us in its world. The cinematography captures the raw textures of the environment and the characters’ skin, enhancing the emotional experience. It’s a compelling glimpse into a future that feels both distant and disturbingly close.
A recent survey from the Environmental Protection Agency indicates that over 70% of people are increasingly concerned about plastic pollution and its effects on health, aligning with the film’s themes. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, stories like this remind us of the immediate impact on our lives.
“Read the Wind” is part of the 2025 Directors’ Factory initiative, highlighting innovative storytelling that resonates with contemporary issues.
Reviewed on: 23 May 2025