France, Brazil / 12’
language Portuguese
cast Amanda Araújo, Tatiana Pinheiro Ribeiro, Bruna Andrade
screenplay João Paulo Miranda Maria
cinematographer Thiago Ribeiro Pereira
editor Jérôme Bréau
production designer Marina Palmero Butolo
sound Leo Bortolin
João Paulo Miranda María - Meninas Formicida
Synopsis
In a small Brazilian town, a teenage girl works everyday in an eucalyptus forest where she chases ants away with pesticides. Yet, her inner struggle turns out to be the real fight.
Director’s Statement
Meninas formicida are teenage girls from the countryside of Brazil who work in eucalyptus forests killing ants with toxic pesticides. My main character is one of them. As she has to deal with an unwanted pregnancy, she lives in a constant state of fear, struggling against both Brazilian conservative mentalities and abusive machismo.