Malês (2025) is a historical drama set in 1835 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. It follows a Muslim African couple who are kidnapped from their homeland, enslaved in Brazil, separated, and forced to navigate the violence of slavery. In time, they become involved in the Malê Revolt, the largest organized slave uprising in Brazilian history. The film weaves together the personal struggle to reunite and the broader collective struggle of enslaved and free Black Muslims against racism, religious persecution, and colonial domination. This film was directed by Dir. Antonio Pitanga. (1 hr 54 min)

Reis, Professor of History at the Federal University of Bahia in Salvador, Brazil, served as the film’s historical advisor. His classic research on the 1835 Malê Revolt was drawn upon heavily in the film. In interviews, the film director and cast explicitly credit Reis’ book for providing the archival base, social detail (everyday life, punishment, religious practices), and characters that the film dramatizes. Reis will discuss his research, the film, and his long-standing argument that the Malês were politically organized historical agents, not passive victims.

This event was organized by CGIS and sponsored by KU International Affairs, Kansas African Studies Center, Impact & Belonging, Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Hall Center for the Humanities, Religious Studies, Spencer Museum of Art, Spanish & Portuguese, Film & Media Studies, History, School of Business, African & African American Studies, KU Libraries, and American Studies.