Favela Rising

First of all, a big congratulations to the Ottawa Senators for beating Tampa Bay -- yet again -- and paving their way through to the second round of the playoffs. Go Sens!

Last night we went to see the movie Favela Rising at the San Francisco International Film Festival. I hadn't read much about it beforehand, so I wasn't really sure what to expect. We saw the viewing at one of the 'alternative' festival locations, which happened to be an old warehouse in Hunter's Point that is currently being used by BayCat, a center for the arts that focuses on underserved youth by providing them an education in arts-related fields. It was standing room only by the time we arrived which had the potential for making this a very long evening.

Favela Rising did not disappoint. The director, Jeff Zimbalist, had set out to find a story about empowerment in an environment filled with adversity. This led him to a three-year journey through the inner workings of the Vigário Geral favela in Rio. The documentary -- which includes scenes that were filmed by children from the favela who had been provided with cameras for their own creative outlet -- follows the story of one man who uses the music and vibrancy of AfroBrazilian culture to create change within the favela community.

AfroReggae was formed in 1993 with the goal of providing cultural education to the children of the favela, including dance, music, capoeira and hip hop. It provided an alternative to kids who are otherwise destined to be drug-runners and die young. Members were not allowed to smoke, drink or use drugs.

Today AfroReggae is not only an internationally-known band but a revolutionary force that has influenced social change throughout many of Rio's favelas. Favela Rising does an excellent job of depicting this change and providing another peek into a part of Brazil that remains shady to foreigners and locals alike.

Favela Rising is currently being screened on a 'US Favela Tour' in areas such as the Bronx, Harlem, and South-central LA. Click here for the schedule.