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RAI FILM Festival takes place on 27-30 March 2025. Learn more.

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You Can’t Live With Your Mouth Shut

Directed by João Nicolau

1999 – 29'

Synopsis

Cape Verde is an archipelago situated 500km off the West Coast of Africa. On the island of Santiago lives Mano Mendi, the last player of cimboa, a one-string violin used to accompany the traditional batuque music. Through the portrait of Mano Mendi and the learning experience of To, a music teacher in the capital city Praia, the film shows us how this music is rooted in the rhythms of everyday life.

RAI FILM Festival 2025

The next RAI FILM Festival will take place in person from 27-30 March 2025 at the Watershed Cinema and the Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol (UK) and online throughout the month of April 2025.