© WILSSA ESSER
LEVANTE
POWER ALLEY
Director—Lillah Halla
Spielfillm Feature, BRA, FRA, URY 2023—99min—18+
Portuguese / Spanish original version with English subtitles
Lillah Halla‘s drama about a 17-year-old volleyball player seeking self-determination.
Sofia is the star of the volleyball team and on her way to success when talent scouts take notice of her. However, a positive pregnancy test turns everything upside down. In Brazil, abortion is illegal, and Sofia must find a way out with the help of her best friend, her father, her coach, and her team. The situation is further complicated by fundamentalist Christians who want to bring the case to public attention. Despite the societal pressure, her team stands by her until the very end.
Lillah Halla clearly narrates the difficult path of dealing with abortion in a country that obstructs bodily autonomy. The solidarity of the volleyball team paints a powerful, queer image of women who, despite their differences and conflicts, stand by each other and unitedly challenge the system.
© WILSSA ESSER