Private Project

Dom Salvador and Abolition

An immersive journey, Dom Salvador and Abolition is the untold story of Dom Salvador, an Afro-Brazilian musician who found a home in New York. Departing at the height of Brazil’s military dictatorship in 73’, Salvador left behind an enormous shadow.

  • Lilka Hara
    Director
  • Artur Ratton
    Director
  • Lilka Hara
    Producer
  • Artur Ratton
    Producer
  • Harry Belafonte
    Key Cast
  • Tony Tornado
    Key Cast
  • Dick Oatts
    Key Cast
  • Ed Motta
    Key Cast
  • Elza Soares
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 18 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 20, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    85,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Portuguese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, RED, Super-8, VHS
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • In-Edit International Film Festival
    São Paulo
    Brazil
    September 6, 2020
    Brazil Premiere
    Best Film Of The Year
Director Biography - Lilka Hara, Artur Ratton

Lilka Hara is a filmmaker and producer, her work includes documentaries, music videos, commercials and animations. She currently work as a director, post supervisor and editor in New York. Dom Salvador and Abolition is her first feature documentary as a director.

Artur Ratton is an award winning filmmaker and video artist hailing from Brazil and based in NYC for the last 17 years.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

An immersive musical journey, Dom Salvador and Abolition is the untold story of Dom Salvador, an Afro-Brazilian musician who found a home in New York. Departing from Brazil at the height of its military dictatorship, Salvador left behind an enormous shadow. As the godfather of Brazilian soul, he helped create Bossa Nova while announcing the arrival of Blackness through his band Abolição.

Octogenarian Salvador darts through the city, memories emerging with each step. A veteran musician whose humble resilience is revealed in captivating moments; rifling through vinyl at a record shop, putting up shows in jazz clubs, performing at Carnegie Hall and a permanent gig at the scenic River Cafe.