Èṣù and the Universe /
Exu e o Universo

Thiago Zanato

2022 / 80 minutes
Brazil / Brazil, Nigeria, Slovenia, Spain
English, Portuguese with English Subtitles

Best Feature Film — Winner

In Brazil, a country grappling with systemic racism and growing threats to religious freedom, a Nigerian professor and his community fight to prove that their god, Èṣù, is not the devil.

For thousands of years, Èṣù was revered as a sacred African deity, but after over 300 years of slavery, he is now demonized, often depicted in late-night TV exorcisms where he is cast “back to hell.” How can Èṣù be both worshiped as a god and vilified as the devil? This film embarks on a poetic journey into the universe of Èṣù, exploring the historical struggle against forces that continue to demonize Yoruba culture and its people. Despite standing on the brink of extinction, these beliefs and practices have not only survived but flourished worldwide, offering a powerful testament to their resilience.