Tropical Multiculturalism

“Tropical Multiculturalism is one of the best books ever written on Brazilian cinema. In the current climate of enthusiasm for the rebirth of filmmaking in Brazil, the presence of sophisticated scholars such as Robert Stam can only be positive for this still understudied field. The several polemical points raised here—and many others—testify to the book’s passionate stance on critical issues. If you are interested in film studies, Brazil, race relations, the African diaspora, multiculturalism, the relation between history and cultural production, political oppression and cultural images, or any combination thereof, do not miss this book. It is indispensable.” - Idelbar Avelar, Luso-Brazilian Review

“Tropical Multiculturalism’s exemplary comparative cultural studies methodology, impeccable film scholarship, and astute theorization of a nonessentialist multicultural approach to image studies recommend it as an essential text. It is well organized for pedagogical purposes and a pleasure to read for all concerned with generating more critical consumption and production of multicultural representation in film and video.” - Anne-Marie Gill , Film Quarterly

“One of the biggest strengths of this book, and of Stam’s work in general, is its immense erudition. . . . Stam’s study is also highly original on matters concerning Brazilian music and ethnicity, both inside and outside of the cinema.” - Catherine Grant , Screen

"Tropical Multiculturalism establishes Robert Stam as the foremost authority on the intersection of race, culture, and film in Brazil. Some think of blacks in Brazilian film as samba and sound but Stam liberates us all with a gorgeously argued relational text that is destined to become a classic in film criticism." - Robert Farris Thompson, Yale University

"With Tropical Multiculturalism, Robert Stam—one of the most sophisticated theorists of contemporary cultural representations—provides a much needed, historicized model for the analysis of non-European and Afro-diasporic cinemas and cultures." - Monthia Diawara, New York University