The documentary "Cidade das Mulheres" The City of Women is an absolute joy to watch. This documentary,
directed by Lazaro Faria, presents an intimate view of Mae Stella de Oxossi who is perhaps the most influential figure in
African religious traditions in Bahia. She is the head priestess from Axé Opó Afonjá founded in 1910, which is one of the most important "terreiros" or African-Brazilian spiritual communities
in Salvador, Bahia. In a gentle, yet self-assured manner Mae Stella, who has always been ahead of her time, explains from
a feminine perspective the history of Candomblé in Bahia, and the matriarchal system of power created
and controlled by the women who practice these traditions. Mae Stella also reveals details from her own life story and how
she was called to her position. A tribute for the many notable women who appear in the film, "Cidade das
Mulheres" also pays tribute to Ruth Landes, the North-American anthropologist, who during the late nineteen-thirties, came
to Bahia to perform research and was surprised by the spiritual, cultural and economic power held by women
in Candomblé. She published her findings – The City of Women in 1947. Her intimate thoughts and impressions are illustrated
in this sensitive documentary by images of popular festivities which celebrate African spiritual traditions, and the stunning
natural beauty of the city of Salvador.
