The Daughters of Chiquita documents Chiquita's Party, a spectacular annual gay pride event which is courageously held amidst the largest Catholic celebration in Brazil.

In the city of Belém, the second Sunday in October brings the Cirio de Nazaré -- the largest Catholic celebration in Brazil. Each year, over two million visitors flock to the city and stand shoulder to shoulder as a shrine built in honor of the Virgin Mother is carried through the crowded streets. Over a megaphone, a church official demands that spectators pray to the Mother of God and ask her to forgive their transgressions as the shrine passes. Toward the end of the procession, the shrine is carried through Chiquita's Party, an annual carnival that features an enjoyably outlandish drag competition and celebrates the unification of the Brazilian gay community. Dating from the 1970s, it has grown to become an important radical event that promotes acceptance and respect for all fellow men and women -- much to the chagrin of the unapologetically homophobic authorities that organize the Cirio de Nazaré and have unsuccessfully attempted to outlaw the technically unaffiliated party. Featuring uplifting and often uproarious interviews with organizers, attendees, performers and even a few residents opposed to the event, this first feature from documentary filmmaker Priscilla Brasil takes an in-depth look at the history of this exciting celebration and the compassionate individuals behind it.

-- Robert O'Neill