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Favela Rising documents a city divided and a favela united. Haunted by the murders of family and friends, Anderson Sá is a former drug-trafficker turned social revolutionary in Rio’s most feared slum. Through hip-hop, street rhythms and Afro-Brazilian dance he rallies his community against the violence enforced by teenage drug armies and corrupt police. Just as collectivism is overcoming all odds and Anderson’s grassroots Afro Reggae project is at its zenith, a tragic accident threatens to silence the movement forever. (Big Sky Documentary Film Festival)
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I am simply gobsmacked. I could mention the unmistakable similarity toJosé Padilha’s work. Both topic and production-wise. Also they used at least one shot straight from his Bus 174. It’s also about the hopeless situation in the favelas, police corruption, how special units work, the plight of individuals and... And it’s also about hope. Anderson Sa – an idealist, a dreamer, but mainly a man who decided to offer the local youth an alternative to the path leading to damnation. In the form of Afro Reggae rhythms which gradually changed into a regular movement working with young people. The form is impeccable; you definitely won’t come down with uninspiring “talking heads" syndrome. Despite its ferocity and roughness the fantastic music is definitely the winner here. Just a shame the authors didn’t allow more space for the “counterparties". For example a statement from the security forces would be appropriate here (although you find out their point of view from the above mentioned director). With Favela Rising it’s well worth waiting until the end of the final credits. Not just because the music, but also for the postscript.
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