The film is based on the real person João Francisco dos Santos (1900-1976), better known by name of Madame Satã. He was a 1.78 meter black man weighing 88 kilos of muscle. In turn a bandit, a transvestite, street-fighter, cook, hero, convict and father to seven adopted children. Satã spent most of his years on the hot streets of Lapa, the Montmartre of the tropics, the bohemian Rio.
Lázaro Ramos, Emiliano Queiroz, Renata Sorrah, Marcela Cartaxo, Fellipe Marques, Flavio Bauraqui
- Written and Directed by: Karim Aïnouz
- Cinematography: Walter Carvalho
- Edition: Isabela Monteiro de Castro
- Music: Sacha Amback, Marcos Suzano
- Art Direction: Marcos Pedroso
- Costume Design: Rita Murtinho
- Sound Design: Aloysio Compasso
- Havana Festival 2002: Special Award for first Feature Film, Coral Award for Best Art Direction
- Huelva Festival 2002: Colombo Golden Award for Best Film, Manuel Barba Award for Best Screenplay, Colombo Silver Award for Best Photography and Best Actor (Lázaro Ramos)
- Biarritz Festival 2002: Best Director Award
- Chicago Festival 2002: Gold Hugo Award for Best Picture
- São Paulo International Film Festival: Honorable Mention Lázaro Ramos
- Cuenca Festival: Best Actor (Lázaro Ramos)
- Santo Domingo International Festival, 2003: Best Film and Best Actor (Lázaro Ramos)
- SESC Festival of the Best Films 2002: Best Actor for the public vote and for the critical vote (Lázaro Ramos)
- Festival du Film d'Amour de Mons 2003: Best Actor (Lázaro Ramos) and Best Photo Award
- Inside Out Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival: Audience Award
- Encuentro Latinoamericano de Cine de Lima 2003: Best Actor (Lázaro Ramos) and Best Photography Award
