Beat Street (1984), directed by Stan Lathan, is set in New York's South Bronx, the film portrays the rise of Hip Hop culture during the 1980s, exploring elements such as Breakdance, graffiti and DJing.

The story follows Kenny ‘Double K’ Kirkland (Guy Davis), a talented young DJ who dreams of achieving success in the world of music. Together with his younger brother Lee, a breakdancer, and his friend Ramon, a graffiti artist with a passion for urban art, Kenny faces the challenges of life in a marginalised neighbourhood while trying to find opportunities to showcase his talent. The narrative gains momentum when Kenny meets Tracy Carlson (Rae Dawn Chong), a composer and choreographer who encourages him to follow his dreams.

The film stands out for its authentic musical performances, featuring artists such as Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force, Doug E. Fresh and the girl group Us Girls, made up of MC Sha-Rock, Debbie D. and Lisa Lee. These performances contribute to a vibrant and realistic representation of the emerging Hip Hop culture of the time.

Harry Belafonte played a key role as producer of Beat Street. The project took shape with Belafonte ensuring that the film faithfully represented the essence of the birth of Hip Hop culture. In addition, he collaborated on the production of the soundtrack, together with Arthur Baker. 

The hustle and bustle of the neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Lisbon, the frenzy of a culture on the rise in the 1980s, the imminent upheaval of a story in a land that is shaking: the ‘Re/surgir’ [Re/emerge] film series features three films that give rise to conversations that don't leave the present day behind. Themes that keep resurfacing and are worth looking at through the cinema.

From the ghettos of Greater Lisbon at the end of the 1990s, in the first session with Outros Bairros [Other Neighbourhoods], we go back in time to the South Bronx where the fictional Beat Street faithfully portrays the emergence of Hip Hop culture. And finally, in the third session, we follow in Hanami the story and growth of Nana on the magical island of Fogo in Cape Verde.