Saudad, a word with no exact English translation, is a kind of sorrowful nostalgia for the past, which in Sao Paolo invariably seems to be combined with an anticipation of the future.

There is no narration in Cesar Paes' kaleidoscopic, impressionistic view of the city. There are brief interviews with residents who are not specifically identified - including a former mayor, a disc jockey, a housekeeper, a famous sculptor, a cab driver, a couple gyrating sexily at a night club.

They are all Nordestinos, among the tens of thousands of refugees who have streamed to Sao Paolo from Brazil's drought-stricken northeast. So are the street troubadours - repentistas - peasants whose lively performances, nimbly translated to rhyming English, form the backbone of this documentary.

Their improvised, lightning-fast refrains - a forerunner of rap music - comment daily on politics, philosophy and their audiences, usually in a humorous and sometimes vulgar manner.

It's the repentistas - particularly the endearingly mocking duo of Sonhador et Peneira - who make "Saudad do Futuro" a summer delight that also provides a quick cultural education.

SAUDAD DO FUTURO
Tuneful Brazilian musical documentary.
Running time: 94 minutes.
In Portugese, with English subtitles.
Not rated (vulgar lyrics).
At Film Forum, Houston Street, between Sixth Avenue and Varick Street.