CANNES '08 | Salles, Thomas and De Oliveira

Set and shot in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Walter Salles (center) and Daniela Thomas' (right) "Linha de Passe" -- with its use of primarily non-actors -- was inspired by aspects of Italian neo-realism, explained Brazilian filmmaker Salles this morning (Saturday) at the Festival de Cannes. Twelve years after making "Foreign Land" together, Salles and Thomas again explore youth in Brazil. The story of a group of four brothers and their pregnant mother, Salles noted that "Linha de Passe" was sparked by the real-life tale of a teenaged boy who stole a bus a few years ago, hoping to find his dad. Noting the "chronic absence of the father" in Brazilian society, Salles cited a broader search that propels many back home. Vinicius De Oliveira (right), who worked with Salles ten years ago as the young boy in "Central Station" agreed, "(The film) fully reflects the country, the fathers arent there," De Oliveira said, "Kids have to struggle from an early age... we need a father figure and this is the kind of thing we are all searching for." The Cannes competition film will have its official debut tonight at the festival.