A Kiss on the Mouth

Overview

Made in the "Boca do Lixo" district in São Paulo, this work explores the world of women prostitutes in downtown São Paulo. The author allows the narrative to be led by the interviewees themselves, removing the reporter's voice and intervening as little as possible in the editing of the testimonies. At a time when AIDS was primarily associated with gay men, most of the prostitutes say they don't believe they can be infected and refuse to use condoms. One of them shares that she used to be a madam and a drug dealer, but now lives like an ordinary worker, working from 10 to 7 and raising her children. Another recalls her time as a domestic worker, earning in one month what she now makes in a single day as a prostitute. The soundtrack features songs by Milton Nascimento and Mutantes.

Jacira Melo