Neirud
Gender as Performance
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1h 12m
Directed by Fernanda Faya • Documentary • 2023 • 72 minutes
Neirud is a compelling documentary that unearths the lost legacy of a mysterious woman who once defied social norms and cultural boundaries. When filmmaker Fernanda Faya discovers that her late aunt—known only as Neirud—had a secret past as Gorilla Woman, a controversial wrestling persona in an underground all-female Brazilian circus troupe, she embarks on a personal journey through forgotten archives and fractured family memories. Spanning the 1960s to the 1980s, "Neirud" explores vital themes of race, identity, gender performance, and queer visibility in Latin America. Through its rich historical lens, the film becomes a powerful educational resource on marginalized communities and the transformative power of storytelling.
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