TE VEJO MARÉ (I See You Maré)
This series of six films was commissioned by Guardian films and portray one of the largest and most notorious group of favelas in Rio de Janeiro, the Community of Maré. It was filmed over a five month period and based on a relationship of many years.
Far from the usual clichéd portrayals, the films are an intimate and joyous picture of day to day life in the favela Community, with a vibrant soundtrack provided by the local talent. Presented by the residents themselves, each film follows a different charismatic personality and theme. From Roberto, the Olympic boxing hopeful, to Ninho the reformed drug dealer and Evangelical preacher, we see how each person is fighting for a better future for both themselves and their whole Community.
The armed conflict and other challenges are never far away, but neither is a strong sense of humour, which runs throughout. Through a series of dramatic events, we witness the incredibly rich cultural and spiritual life that exists in Maré and above all, the strong, unifying sense of community. The films give a voice to the silent majority of this amazing, yet marginalised Community and challenge some of the preconceptions that divide both Rio and many other cities around the World.
