Paid in Blood
Pau D'Arco
Synopsis
After surviving the massacre in which the police killed ten landless workers in Pará’s Amazon region, Fernando dos Santos becomes the only survivor to reveal his identity and testify. Still shaken, he recounts how the police murdered his boyfriend and tortured his companions, yet the film portrays him as far more than a victim: a courageous man who left the city’s comfort to chase the dream of owning land, using humor and intelligence to endure the solitude of being a gay man in rural Brazil. Alongside him is José Vargas, an idealistic lawyer defending the survivors and their right to justice. As he faces threats and isolation, the film exposes the human cost of truth, resilience, and the struggle for dignity in a land scarred by violence and inequality.
Release History & Theatrical Window
It's All True – International Documentary Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ana Aranha
- Screenplay & Story
- Adriana Yañez, Ana Aranha
- Original Title
- Pau D'Arco
- Country of Origin
- Brazil
- Spoken Languages
- Portuguese
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Production Studios
- Amana Cine, Repórter Brasil
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ana Aranha
Adriana Yañez, Ana Aranha
Daniel Grinspum, Tali Yankelevich
Mariana Genescá
Department Leadership Roster
Ana Aranha
Director
Daniel Grinspum
Editor
Tali Yankelevich
Editor
Adriana Yañez
Writer
Ana Aranha
Writer
Mariana Genescá
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Paid in Blood.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Paid in Blood.
Netflix
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paid in Blood
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Paid in Blood about?
After surviving the massacre in which the police killed ten landless workers in Pará’s Amazon region, Fernando dos Santos becomes the only survivor to reveal his identity and testify. Still shaken, he recounts how the police murdered his boyfriend and tortured his companions, yet the film portrays him as far more than a victim: a courageous man who left the city’s comfort to chase the dream of owning land, using humor and intelligence to endure the solitude of being a gay man in rural Brazil. Alongside him is José Vargas, an idealistic lawyer defending the survivors and their right to justice. As he faces threats and isolation, the film exposes the human cost of truth, resilience, and the struggle for dignity in a land scarred by violence and inequality.
Who directed Paid in Blood?
Paid in Blood was directed by Ana Aranha.
Who stars in Paid in Blood?
The principal cast of Paid in Blood includes Not specified.
When was Paid in Blood released and how long is it?
Paid in Blood was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 1h 29m.