Нижний город (2005)

"Cidade Baixa" (The Lower City) is a unique drama film from 2005, set in the eponymous neighborhood of Salvador, Brazil and directed by Sergio Machado. The film follows the complicated relationships between two lifelong friends, Deco and Naldinho, played by Brazilian actors Lazaro Ramos and Wagner Moura. Their friendship soon becomes tested when they both fall in love with a young prostitute named Karinna, played by Alice Braga. The film explores themes of love, violence, jealousy, and the complexities of human relationships in a world of poverty and struggle. Other notable cast members include Maria Menezes as Karinna's friend, Joao Miguel Leonelli as a wealthy businessman with an interest in Karinna, Deborah Santiago as a street vendor, and Hugo Rodas as Valeria, a transgender woman. "Cidade Baixa" received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of life in Salvador and the exceptional performances by its cast, particularly Ramos and Moura. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005 and was selected as the Brazilian entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards.