Set in the vibrant city of Maputo, Mozambique, Era Oculta – Hidden Era centers on Rastafari artist Phambi. Struggling financially, though not artistically, Phambi is like any other parent who wants a better life for their child – he wants the best education possible for his son, Ixon. But Phambi’s issues making the school’s payments puts Ixon in perpetual peril of expulsion. When his newest work, a semi-nude portrait of Paula, a feminist who believes in expressing herself through her body, becomes a symbol of activism in the community, Phambi sees a path forward to making a living for himself and his son, while also being an ally for his muse. 

Multi-hyphenate creator Carlos Vargas, producer-cinematographer of Melody of Love (Tribeca ‘23), makes his directorial debut with this beautifully shot meditation on art and what it means to live an artistic life. Against the backdrop of reggae, Rastafarianism, and the distinctive dynamics of Maputo, the film explores societal norms, revealing the transformative power of art as a form of resilience in the face of adversity.––Jason Gutierrez

Carlos Vargas