Claves, 1: How Tasty Was My Little Frenchman

Documentary in four parts on Latin American cinema. First episode: the influences of Cahiers du cinéma, the New Wave, Italian neorealism. In Brazil, Cinema Novo draws inspiration from these models while drawing on the historical and cultural singularity of the country. The documentary was awarded the Prix Makhila d’or at the Festival de Biarritz, France.

Directed by Atahualpa Lichy, Claves, 1: How Tasty Was My Little Frenchman leans on a strong ensemble — José Carlos Avellar, Tomás Pérez Turrent, Carlos Diegues — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1984.