Brasil. 2007. Color. 88 min. Ficción. 35mm.
- Film Director
: Paulo Caldas. - Co-production: Alemania
The Brazilian hinterland, on the side of the San Francisco River. Throughout this area of the hinterland, irrigation has transformed the San Francisco valley into a prosperous region, with modern wine producing industries. The modern, irrigated hinterland is set face to face in contrast with another hinterland – drought-ridden and archaic–. Jéssica, 16, lives in a modest home, near the village of Happy Desert. She lives with her mother, Maria, 40, and her stepfather, Biu, 50, who is an employee at the vineyards and who in his spare time hunts wild animals for illegal exportation. Jéssica's daily life revolves around her school studies and going out with her mother and friend, Maria. She also has her romantic projects, like most teenage girls. Until one day, when Jéssica begins to live a drama, lived by so many other teenage girls throughout Brazil: sexual violence. Biu rapes Jéssica. And despite the love she feels for her daughter, Maria's reaction is to remain silent.
