In 1976, Brazilian actress Zeze Motta portrayed freed slave turned millionare Xica (Chica) de Silva. The film project became a phenomenon with the presence of Brazilian society's tales of race, sex, and power.
Motta was a working actress who struggled to break Brazilian's film industry. She received major press and recognition for her portrayal of Xica de Silva, a freed African slave who earned her freedom and wealth from her diamond magnate lover. De Silva, a controversial yet intriguing figure is known in Brazil as the "slave who became a queen".
Motta struggled to break the industry's color barrier. Considered one of the greatest actresses in Brazil, she maintains a strong presence of beauty and strength.
