Zózimo Bulbul

Zózimo Bulbul (September 21, 1937 – January 24, 2013) was a Brazilian actor, filmmaker, and activist. Bulbul was a prominent proponent of Afro-Brazilian culture within Brazilian cinema and society at-large.[1] Bulbul co-founded and organized the Encontro de Cinema Negro Brasil, África & Américas, which showcases films featuring African and Afro-Brazilian actors, directors, and themes.[1]

Bulbul made his film debut in the 1962 Brazilian motion picture, Cinco Vezes Favela.[1] He went on to star in more than thirty films throughout his career, including Quilombo and Sagarana: The Duel.[1] Bulbul was also a filmmaker and film director. His best known work was his Abolição, which he released in 1988.[1] Through Abolição, Bulbul explored the 100th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Brazil.[1] (Slavery was outlawed by the Lei Áurea in 1888.)

Bulbul lived abroad in New York City during the height of the Brazilian dictatorship in the 1970s.[1]

His life and work were depicted in the 2006 documentary Zózimo Bulbul. The film was directed by Lázaro Ramos as part of the Canal Brasil TV series Retratos Brasileiros.[2]

Zózimo Bulbul died from a heart attack at his apartment in the Flamengo neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro on January 24, 2013, at the age of 75.[1] He was survived by his wife of thirty years, Biza Vianna.[1] He was buried at São Francisco Xavier cemetery in the Caju neighborhood of the city.[1]