My Home Is Copacabana (1965)
Arne Sucksdorff's haunting portrait of four homeless children surviving Rio de Janeiro's slums, selected for the 1965 Cannes Film Festival.
My Home Is Copacabana - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mitt hem är Copacabana
- Release Year: 1965
- Directed by: Arne Sucksdorff
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: Swedish
- Spoken Languages: Portuguese, Swedish
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 8, 1965 (Sweden)
- Alternative Titles: Fábula (BR), Mit hjem er Copacabana (DK)
- Production Companies: SF Studios
- Production Countries: Sweden
My Home Is Copacabana - Plot
Arne Sucksdorff's drama follows four homeless children—Jorginho, Rico, Lici, and Paulinho—struggling to survive in the Rio de Janeiro slums. They shine shoes, scavenge food, and pickpocket while dreaming of escape from the streets. When Rico, once escaped from a brutal institution in Caxambu, falls ill, he chooses to return there rather than die outside. A somber portrait of poverty and resilience, the film was selected for the 1965 Cannes Film Festival.
My Home Is Copacabana - Trailer
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My Home Is Copacabana - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Arne Sucksdorff
Main Cast
- Cosme dos Santos
- Dirce Migliaccio
- Flávio Migliaccio
- Antônio Pitanga
- Joel Barcellos
- Allan Edwall
- Leila Santos
- Josafá da Silva Santos
- Toninho Carlos de Lima
- Andrey Salvador
Writers
- João Bethencourt
- Flávio Migliaccio
- Arne Sucksdorff
My Home Is Copacabana - FAQs
What is My Home Is Copacabana about?
My Home Is Copacabana follows four homeless children — Jorginho, Rico, Lici, and Paulinho — scraping by in Rio de Janeiro's slums. They shine shoes, scavenge for food, and pickpocket to survive. The film is a deeply moving look at poverty, resilience, and the fragile dreams of children living on the margins.
Was My Home Is Copacabana shown at Cannes?
Yes! My Home Is Copacabana was selected for the 1965 Cannes Film Festival, a remarkable achievement for a Swedish-produced film shot entirely in Brazil. Its inclusion at Cannes brought international attention to Arne Sucksdorff's unflinching depiction of child poverty in Rio de Janeiro.
Who directed My Home Is Copacabana?
Arne Sucksdorff directed My Home Is Copacabana. The Swedish filmmaker was already celebrated for his nature documentaries and the Oscar-winning short The Great Adventure before turning his lens on the street children of Rio de Janeiro in this deeply humanist drama.
Is My Home Is Copacabana based on a true story?
While not based on one specific true story, the film is deeply rooted in reality. Arne Sucksdorff lived in Rio de Janeiro and worked closely with actual street children, drawing on their real experiences. The characters and situations reflect the genuine hardships faced by homeless youth in 1960s Brazil.
Where can I stream My Home Is Copacabana?
You can stream My Home Is Copacabana on the Criterion Channel. It's a fitting home for the film, given the Criterion Channel's dedication to world cinema and classic art-house titles. Check availability in your region for the most up-to-date streaming options.
Who are the main actors in My Home Is Copacabana?
The cast includes Cosme dos Santos, Dirce Migliaccio, Flávio Migliaccio, Antônio Pitanga, Joel Barcellos, Allan Edwall, Leila Santos, Josafá da Silva Santos, Toninho Carlos de Lima, and Andrey Salvador. Many of the young performers were real street children from Rio de Janeiro.
What language is My Home Is Copacabana in?
Though it's a Swedish production, My Home Is Copacabana is primarily spoken in Portuguese, reflecting its Rio de Janeiro setting and largely Brazilian cast. Swedish also features in the film. This bilingual quality adds authenticity to Sucksdorff's immersive portrait of life on the streets.
How long is My Home Is Copacabana?
My Home Is Copacabana runs for 85 minutes — lean and purposeful, much like the lives it portrays. Sucksdorff wastes no time, delivering a concentrated, emotionally resonant experience that leaves a lasting impression without overstaying its welcome.
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