Brazil: Life in Rio’s biggest favela | DW Documentary

Brazilian favelas are home to migrants and the descendants of slaves. And, they are often located on steep, nearly inaccessible mountain slopes.
There are many assumptions that are made about favelas. For example, that they’re controlled by drug gangs, that life expectancy is low, and that the murder rate is high. But what’s it really like to live in a favela? What do people there need to do to survive? Do they have many - or any - opportunities to move out?
These are some of the questions explored by reporter Matthias Ebert and his team. He lodges with a family in the Favela Rocinha, in a picturesque setting with a view over the beaches of Rio. He meets Bianca, who keeps her head above water with a patchwork of short-term jobs. He meets some of the people controlling the favela. Matthias Ebert can’t reveal their identity. He also meets members of a church, and finds that a new power is emerging in the slums: evangelical Christians wielding their religion as a solution to all problems.
#documentary #dwdocumentary
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[@evocarti]

Total respect for the mum doing everything for her two kids who are both bright as a button and will go far in life.

[@kokuz0512]

Many of the single moms like her in the USA. Maybe not that poor, but pretty poor working two jobs and don’t have anything. Thanks USA

[@garycooper9207]

@@kokuz0512 They don't live like these people and they can go to Food Banks ect. You can see the skinny mom with missing teeth is starving. American poor are often obese and eat junk. Americans don't live 15m2 flats with kids

[@larissamello374]

In Brazil this is what poverty looks like. A non white single mother abandoned by the so called father for a young woman. @@kokuz0512

[@RobertArlensky]

Sounds like satire mate. I pray the little boy doesn't join the Red Commandos. Socialism at play folks. Under Bolsonaro, business would've been booming.

[@tmajec]

@@RobertArlensky I’m sure the mom and kids were eating caviar and washing it down with champagne 🥂 a couple years ago, under Bolsonaro’s regime. 🤣

[@MaxInfoplay]

As a Brazilian, I recommend trips not only to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is huge and has historic cities and beautiful landscapes, Brazil is not just made up of favelas...

[@13Gangland]

Uhh .. yes it is?

[@DeadHandX]

Brazil is thrash

[@Carinhalegal0]

​​​@@13GanglandNo, it isn't. The majority of the population doesn't live in favelas (And it just shows Rio anyways, the city has around 4-6% of the Brazilian population). Rio de Janeiro (The entire state) is just 0,51% of the Brazilian territory. Brazil has much more than just favelas. Edit: I got a little passionate :)

[@jessecejashlp]

Is it safe in Rio ? How are hospitals I’m planning to visit for carnival next year

[@RalucaBlajut]

⁠@@13GanglandSo disrespectful!

[@piyopiyo4237]

I went to Rio de Janeiro last year and was so shocked by the disparity between rich and poor. Moreover, you can see this sight as soon as you leave the airport. Passing by the Maracanã Stadium, I looked to the right and saw a favela, and to the left I saw a beautiful apartment building... As I passed through the beaches of Copacabana and Leblon, I saw a favela with a mountain side...I couldn't understand what was happening in front of me. I grew up in a complicated environment in Japan, and I always felt angry, but from the day I visited Rio de Janeiro, my mind was never the same again. Now I am thinking every day about how we can fight poverty in the world. greeting from Japan.

[@uj210]

Yes you right if you travel you will never understand things in life..and Japan is one of my favorite country

[@ancao4671]

haha

[@uj210]

@@ancao4671 haha bro I mean it

[@piyopiyo4237]

?

[@uj210]

?

[@jameslogue7474]

I've lived in Rio and Sao Paulo for some time. There's something special about Brazil for sure. Beautiful country, culture, and people.

[@samsmith2635]

42:07 I know what it is like to live in Brasil for years. As a German-American I have embraced Brasil as my new home since the start of the Pandemic. It is exactly as it is portrayed, life is not easy, people work hard and are full of character. Some starve, some do okay. We all live under the same problems that plague other nations, class struggle, political rifts, poverty, racism and corruption. The Political instability of Brasil has been its biggest shortcoming, not having an effective central government continuous like other nations has really had some terrible effects on society here. However there is prosperity and growth in many parts of Brasil its not all Favelas and Crime, Gangsters and Evangelicals. We have farmers markets, we have beach bars, we have national parks, the Scouts, strong social medicine, dedicated teachers even when underfunded, we have skyscrapers and hydro electric dams, automotive and heavy equipment manufacturing, steel production, art museums and nature conservancies and so much more.

[@sayonara5g680]

Brazil has a greater number of people who desire luxury than those who are actually hungry.

[@samsmith2635]

@@sayonara5g680 When your growing season is 340 days a year its easy to grow food, even if poor.

[@chinobonito30]

How do you make a living

[@shukriiii]

to grow food you need land, which costs money @@samsmith2635

[@emanuelporto9374]

Thank you Sam, but there is a desire from Americans and Europeans to show a romantic and beauty side of this favela way of life. The truth must be said. It is what it is: this currently situation is wrong and these honest and decent people from favela must be freed from this brainwashing story told by politicians and TV since their childhood

[@emanuels4961]

A fascinating culture - but seriously fellas, a sincere round of applause for Adauto Aparecido Santana - the man works more than most of us would ever dream of enduring.. and this comes from Eastern Europe. Hats off!

[@larissamello374]

And he doesn’t need to work this hard anymore. He owns 3 houses and a store. He is indeed hardworking.

[@locky7992]

"fascinating" culture, Rio is the worst state in Brazil, violence, crime, poverty, lazybones people, and people who don't respect each other, but unfortunately the media only shows this.

[@emanuels4961]

@@larissamello374 For sure! And so humble at the same time!

[@emanuels4961]

@@locky7992 I know.. it's really tragic to be honest.. the beauty of that place can't really be replicated. It costs ugliness to contour the beauty, you know..

[@samil5601]

You meet loads of people like this in the favelas. They are the people who really keep the world economy turning, not the lazy western middle classes who only concentrate on protecting their own security.

[@sumimaind]

How about making a documentary about the most neglected population in Brazil? The indigenous people. Or about the behind the scenes of the Carnaval parade, or about the fauna and flora you can find in Rio, or about Pantanal, or about people in different parts of the country making a positive impact in difficult situations? It's time to get more creative with the topics about Brazil.

[@manuandrade2484]

I agree there's much more to be shown from our country. But I don't believe it's a lack of creativity, it's what they believe is going to draw interest, unfortunately.

[@lisat6534]

As an American who's lived in a favela in Sao Paulo for a few years I can say I've always felt safe within the alley ways there. My partner grew up there. My first night there I met some of the people who "operated" in the favela. I was told I could walk freely there, day or night, and would not be bothered or threatened in any way. Outside the favela, further from the "community", things were less safe but within the community we were always protected. The "criminals" as they are referred to in this video were the reason the people living in the favela were safe.Nobody stole or raped anyone because they would face judgement if they did. Those who are seen as "criminals" are the very people keeping their community safe in that way. Most do not choose a life of crime but unfortunately become a product of their environment. Without opportunity for a better future and resources to obtain proper employment often the young generation turn to roles within the gangs. This is the tough reality of Brasil. I can honestly say out of the 10 plus years I lived throughout Brasil, my most fondest memories come from my years living in the favela.

[@jerminator0688]

That’s awesome. My wife is from São Paulo. The capital. Perdizes. A nice part. I’ve been there 7 times. But the favelas have always intrigued me. São Paulo is an awesome city. But it’s hard to make a living there because everything is expensive.

[@lisat6534]

@@jerminator0688 The nice parts of Sao Paulo are cool. I always loved Sampa due to it's diversity. The nicer parts are good places to shop or eat at nicer restaurants. I stayed in the Zona Sul which is a bit tough yet intriguing.The communities or favelas are great places to enjoy some drinks or maybe Baile Funk and experience get people.Although as an outsider I could see why most wouldn't feel comfortable enough to journey into one.

[@jerminator0688]

@@lisat6534 yeah she’s from the center of the city. Close to Guarulhos airport, Avenida Paulista, Ibirapuera park, etc. But that’s awesome that you lived there. It’s an amazing place. Beautiful country with awesome people.

[@kristalynn7877]

That’s good you had a positive experience living there, but I’m sure that’s not the case for many including a lot of young girls & women. I totally get what you are saying about how they protect their own community and I believe that, but we should not be under the misconception that this is a nice way of living, because for many I’m sure it is anything but that. I hope they get the resources they need one day & soon, so there is less disparity & suffering in these regions.

[@bylleish]

this made me so happy to read, i hope to move to Brazil one day

[@MsShaunde]

I traveled to Rio a few months ago, and it’s a bittersweet city. Beautiful views of mother nature and the culture, but there is a huge contrast between rich and poor.

[@sumimaind]

That is true. I was born and raised in Rio currently living in Europe. I miss all the good things about Brazil but not the social inequality. I hope you enjoyed my city nonetheless

[@winner3733]

i hope my brazilian brothers and sisters safe and healthy . respect from kurdistan 🇧🇷♥🇹🇯

[@Dilitrium]

Believe that's the Tajik flag, through which Kurdistan doesn't pass. Immigrant?

[@RCR-Economics-Business]

I’ve been to Rio about ten times in the past three decades, and I keep heading back there for my holidays. Let me tell you, Rio de Janeiro is absolutely stunning! But let’s get real - the city has some serious issues. Social challenges that are right in your face. However, those carioca - that’s what they call the folks born in Rio, they’ve got this incredible resilience. Life throws them curveballs, and yet they’re out there, samba-ing through it all. It’s like witnessing a sunrise after a storm, the beach, the lifestyle, the food, the people! simply beautiful🌅🇧🇷”

[@Dev96K]

I don't know what to say... the only thing I've realized, life is not fair for everyone. It's even more heartbreaking to see kids struggling 🥺🥺 I have been watching these kinds of documentaries to learn about lifestyles in different countries. I certainly appreciate the hard work.

[@gringozk2154]

Brasil e um país com muita diferença social culpa de políticos safados

[@sumimaind]

This is unfortunately a reality in Brazil, but it's also a small portion of the country. The country is the size of a continent and very diverse. There's so much more to see and experience in Brazil, but the media just likes to show the most extreme parts.

[@25oxendine]

Shocking to learn that the most physically fit people(walking up and down hills and stairs daily) have a 20 plus year deficit in lifespan compared to their rich neighbors

[@twlee1930]

It makes sense what that woman said about personal safety and is true in other countries as well. If you want to rob someone, why would you rob someone from your own community who probably doesn’t have much money on them, a nice phone, or nice jewelry, and then risk retribution from that person’s family and friends who might be able to trace your identity? The thief would purposely go downtown or Copacabana or other wealthier area to rob someone because there are better targets in those places who won’t know you. Basically the strategy is don’t piss in your own pool. But make no mistake, the thieves are from the favelas. They commute to do their robberies.

[@marie22213]

I live in America and in my state the poor rob the poor. They'll rob the rich too if they can buy they're constantly robbing one another.

[@briopalumpus8676]

That's not a revelation. What about the big thieves robbing the Brazilian state ??😊

[@chadsimmons6347]

Living in the hood, i had a couple violent encounters with thieves, i dealt with them!

[@pedrobarbas69]

A German journalist and also a very well-spoken Portuguese speaker, DW is doing a lot more research and even funding for something that the Brazilian government would never do. Congrats and thanks for your documentary, from Portuguese men.

[@SF-lu2dr]

Well, do you know about Brazil's government funding programs? You could try to inform yourself, you will be surprised. ;-) Contrary to what many Portuguese people think of us, we aren't a country of savages.

[@nataliaferreira2253]

"from a Portuguese man"... is this a joke??? We would like no colonizers opinion in this matter!

[@jonathanc2536]

@@nataliaferreira2253 brazil wouldn't exist without portugal so don't be ridiculous

[@nataliaferreira2253]

"Brasil wouldn't exist without Portugal" what a clown.... tell that to the original indigenous people of the land! Without Portugal it would just be paradise.... no invaders, nos colonizers, no violance , no slavery... but than the portuguese came to spreed the pain! Limit yourself to your little land in Portugal and do not talk about Brasil like a little colonizer @@jonathanc2536

[@nataliaferreira2253]

I dear you to step your little feet in Brasil talking like that! people will just laugh... At this point portugal dont even own their own language... Brasil is at the point to colonize Portugal back ;)

[@sumimaind]

Brazil is a country the size of a continent with so much diversity and so much to offer, but ALL the media likes to show is favela and plastic surgery.... I really like DW usually, but you guys are just doing what every single channel does, appealing to stereotypes and shock value. Its time to get a bit creative and show more about Brazil rather than just the same old stereotypical topics

[@Kwka777]

Gringos think brazil is only rio and favelas,but Brazil have continental size and have many safe and beautiful places

[@silentfox740]

Definitely not understood what you mean. It cannot be that you calling German reporter, and worldwide viewers auditory "gringos"? But you right, that people, who never lived in country themselves, assume about it by media and other people words. It happen, that one of the most popular topics which revealed in media about Brazil - favelas and Rio.

[@PHlophe]

João, but this IS how TV Globo and local channels portray Brazil regularly. Police stand offs. journalists wearing bullet proof vests and you wonder why it is not made into the portrait of the country's culture ? you are deluded lol!

[@curlyyhair777]

but I've seen other states in Brazil with the same problems

[@DarlyaFaroeste]

​@@curlyyhair777the same problems? Not really, in rural areas they atleast have backyards to plant and grow their own food, and they live in much spacious areas even though their houses are of poor standard, and crime rates aren't too high in those areas, but yes almost all of Brazil have poor purchasing power.

[@sumimaind]

Yes, I am so tired of seeing the same topics over and over again about Brazil in the media when Brazil. has so much more that just gets ignored by the media...

[@solange.moraes]

Brazil is a huge country. Most Brazilian people have never been to a a favela. They're more common in big cities. I also learned a lot about it. But, unfortunately, social inequality is true everywhere. I got very emotional watching the video. Our people are very supportive and welcoming. The crimes are just a consequence of this social inequality. Should we blame it on politicians who have very high salaries and a lot of perks? As long as we have so much money money in the hands of few people, this reality won't change.

[@LucasBruschi1]

Poverty, provoked by a huge state and regulations, is the problem not inequality.

[@Anonimous279]

Brazil 🙈💩

[@pavethaway3076]

Lying 🤥, most people from Brazil live in favela

[@mp42895]

@@Anonimous279 brazil is white cope

[@Kownter]

​@@pavethaway3076 sua família não é o país todo, é 7% da população brasileira que vive em favelas

[@toribern816]

DW always has the BEST documentaries

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@GGFarofa]

@@DWDocumentary yes, I was about to write the same! DW Documentaries are absolutely amazing, and I'm so grateful how this one in particular was done with a lot of respect for the people. Thank you

[@romeuvanelli8666]

If you like fake news fantasia from the left media mob, it’s a great video

[@TravelAlwaysOfficial]

💯

[@LaLA441000]

This journalist seemed a bit sensationalist to me... But it was great to get a glimpse of life in the Favela. Respect to anyone trying to make it, to get by in this life.

[@sumimaind]

Agree!

[@Jitoro5]

Heart touching documentary! Very warm and kind people are over Brasil! You all deserve a peaceful future! We need a 2nd part

[@gaminikumara4752]

A great DW documentary. Thanks. I'm from Sri Lanka and have been a big fan of DW documentary channel for a long time.

[@audrey1258]

I visited Rio last month, and it was extremely dangerous and I got depressed seeing that kind of poverty.

[@aleochi1990]

Sorry for your experience but that's not ther overall experience for someone visiting the city at all, you probably had a specific unfortunated scenario.

[@lauralemon4890]

Did you think you were going to denmank?

[@jaeshbalachandran5766]

DW is absolutely cooking with these recent videos. Great topics

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@eliastellez2276]

Rio es como cualquier ciudad Latina tiene sus contrastes, los cuales son caracteristicos en toda la region

[@vane333]

Song at 22:20 is called Familiar by Agnes Obel, in case anyone wonders 😊

[@StevieP.]

Someone tell this guy there's drug gangs in Germany.

[@sumimaind]

And the majority of these drugs get imported to the biggest consumers: North Americans and Europeans

[@kingming869]

I hope those 2 kids grow up with bigger and better opportunities, especially the daughter that wants to be a Doctor.

[@seapunkangel]

Exceptional shots of the city, a lot of travel youtubers just can't visually or conceptually encapsulate Rio effectively. Sweet documentary, thank you so much as always DW.

[@sumimaind]

yeah, but they always show the same stereotypical topics. Most Brazilians have never even been to a favela, but because that's all the media shows, I get asked about favelas all the time when I'm abroad. It's annoying..

[@ilsagita5257]

​@@sumimaindsame with india they mostly go to dharavi slum in mumbai or some other slum I as a middle class have never been to there but i am glad they maje these videos who cares what stereotype people make These are people , situation that i could never know or see .. these are unfortunate but real

[@christophernazon4256]

The surf instructor é ótimo! I love how he explained how surfing helps people

[@shukriiii]

This is very insightful as I have always wondered what Brazil was like especially life in the Favelas. But what becomes apparent is how institutional racism is common when you look at the demographics of the Favela compared to the rest of Brazil specifically its wealthier areas. Poverty like this is often caused by underfunding social programs, infrastructures, and schools for these people, I have a feeling those children can have a lot of potential for Brazil if given the proper care and education. The government should tackle this issue head-on and take care of ALL of its citizens equally.

[@fsogziewzxx]

Yes, Brazil is a racist country, most of the rich and successful people are white people.. if you search on Google "why are white people richer in Brazil?" you will see the answer

[@pedrorochadacunha8129]

Important to remember that this is just like 5% of Brazil. Yes there are lots of favelas (like there are poor areas in most countries in the world), but vast majority of the people don't live like this. I'm not rich, i'm lower middle class dude, and even for me Favelas are a weird and distant thing which i've never been to (just drove by, passed nearby). It's like wathcing a Mormon-related documentary and then assuming the whole USA is like that.

[@shukriiii]

@@pedrorochadacunha8129 okay interesting information

[@saberlivre]

there's a saying in Brazil: "After slavery was abolished, black people moved from their slave quarters straight to the favelas". Unfortunately, inequality is a deep, deep part of what we are as a society.

[@shukriiii]

@@saberlivre :(

[@gabrielpaz6243]

Great, i love dw docs. I watch every day to improve my english. Thank you for the free channel, amazing!

[@victorivanov6297]

Well done documentary, DW! Top of the game. Realistic and somewhat brutal, yet emotional. Good work

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and your positive feedback :)

[@pablofernandez7772]

Bianca Ferreira and their kids were awesome. I hope they get a chance for a better future, knowing that they are probably happier than a lot of rich kids out there.

[@Felipe.Amancio]

Infelizmente muitos estrangeiros pensam que o Brasil é apenas Rio de Janeiro e favela. Mas o Brasil tem 8 milhões de metros quadrados e é o quinto maior país do mundo. tem muita beleza e riqueza, não é apenas pobreza.

[@lisat6534]

I know how beautiful of a country Brasil is. I also had the opportunity to live in a tiny city called Pontes e Lacerda MT for six years and five more in Campo Grande MS. During those times I traveled to many of the outlining cities and experienced many of the beautiful things Brazil offers.

[@Felipe.Amancio]

@@lisat6534 infelizmente a própria mídia brasileira mostra apenas a parte ruim do Brasil para ganhar Ibope ( visualizações). É diferente dos Estados Unidos e dos países europeus que mesmo tendo a parte ruim só mostra a parte boa.

[@Felipe.Amancio]

@@zlsalans eu sei que o Brasil é pobre porém a diferença é que na Europa e nos Estados Unidos só mostra a parte boa aí dá impressão que lá é só riqueza e prosperidade. Já aqui no Brasil o contrário a mídia só mostra o lado ruim como se aqui só fosse pobreza, violência e desordem.

[@Felipe.Amancio]

@@zlsalans e não é realidade coisa nenhuma. A impressão que fica como se o Brasil inteiro fosse isso e não Brasil não é só favela

[@ssengendonasser6293]

Thank you DW Documentaries

[@Frezzed]

Again, great documentary and great choice of music :D Agnes Obel

[@TPRighteous]

Blessed that lady Bianca trying to feed her children and help us to be better givers when lack stares us in the face.

[@dinakossifaki9232]

DW always has the best documentaries. Thanks a lot

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for your constructive feedback! :-)

[@emreozkaya4279]

very nice work. thank you for this wonderful documentary

[@user-fd6js1wi4j]

Great job, DW!! Keep up the great work!

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@nicolaebejan9915]

bravooo!!!!! this is one of the best videos I've seen on youtube in my hole life, very well thought and designed!!!!

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@profile2047]

Wow, I’ve just recently been wanting to learn about these communities. While I understand this is only a glimpse, and the life can be vastly different for everyone in these places, I certainly appreciate the time and effort given by everyone involved.

[@ZeeJuque]

These communities are not a zoo

[@AtlaCenter0887]

Fellow Brazilian here. Greetings from America

[@haddingtoniangcp2464]

Great video. Enjoyed it immensely.

[@nebulae10]

this was good DW keep it up

[@alexajones2331]

I come from a poor urban neighbourhood in Ireland and Iv been so so interested in Favelas for a long time. I love the fact in the favelas everything looks like it could be from the late 80s up. In my neighbourhood everything got a huge fancy upgrade it’s all modern except for our houses, they don’t care about us. Thank you for this documentary🇮🇪🇧🇷

[@Juuxr]

Interesting, didn't know about it. Thanks for commenting :D

[@ahkim4u]

I’m only 21 years old but for a very long time I’ve had great respect, a lot of love and much curiosity about the life and culture of brazil. This was a very interesting documentary that helped me understand favelas better😊

[@viniciuscfuchs4804]

Great documentary! As a Brazilian I need to say it’s not whole Brazil is like this, Brazil it’s not rio and São Paulo. We have many different cultures in our own country, but the gringos don’t talk about that. About the documentary, It’s amazing! Great job the team made. The cutscenes make me feel me been there. You guys show the reality that the government don’t wanna see. The cariocas are cool and good vibes, always harder workers. Abraços de Santa Catarina!!!!

[@ev.c6]

Brazil is just like that, Rio is just the greater magnifier because it’s a large city. Every where you travel you will see inequality and poor neighborhoods with people living exactly like that. Yet people’s resilience and happiness is rampant and beautiful to see. That is priceless and you don’t find anywhere else. This is what Brazil exports to the world and what the worlds like to see! Beautiful people with tremendous resilience and courage to live.

[@diegodiniz-zw9fn]

Here in Brazil,people have to kill a "lion" every single day,if they want living to another day!This is the most resilient nation in the world.

[@briopalumpus8676]

I know Brazil is huge, just like China and us most people can't name a third tier city outside of Rio,sao,Brasilia. There are many towns with millions of people that many dint know about especially far inland.

[@diegodiniz-zw9fn]

@@briopalumpus8676 I great to hear that you know Brazil,this is a giant country with diversity of people as well as culture.We have many nations inside one turning out Brazil unique on human wealthy and cultural maker.

[@PHlophe]

Vinni, you are mentioning Santa catherine , but this is the one place where the population is rich , insulated and almost entirely white . You are essentially proving the point this video is making . besides pockets of riches Brancos the rest of BR is favelas galore.

[@felipefonseca8610]

This showed the real side of the favela, in its raw state. Great documentary, congratulations on the production. Salve Rio!

[@knm585]

Amei.. muito bom. Great documentary- Very well done

[@martymar9311]

Thanks for this info 🎥

[@johnpallas4621]

To my opinion one of the best DW's videos! Did you see any record shops there?

[@dennisroland5654]

Outstanding. Thank you.

[@terbog]

Excellent documentation. The vibes of how life is in Brazil if you don't have too much of anything are coming out of it. Well done, really, and kudos to Matthias!

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@sumimaind]

This is the vibes of life in a favela! Most Brazilians have never even been to these neighborhoods...

[@tiagomazzotti9640]

Incredible and impeccable journalism! Congratulations to the entire crew!

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@vanderjorge]

great Documentary, good background music👍

[@felipehage8173]

Fantástico!!! DW é insuperável.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to comment. We kindly ask our viewers to comment on our channel in English so that we can answer questions and encourage dialogue. Thank you and all the best, The DW Documentary Team

[@RafaBlack-ne4ld]

I'm a carioca who lives in a favela and I'm able to say, people live inside of the favela because must of them can't afford living outside of it. The average income is too low and it's impossible keep a life outside of the favela. The only ones who have a good salary here in Brazil are the politicians and judges. When it comes to drugdealers , a lot of people trying romanticize them but they're demons who try being like angels in front of main stream who protect them. Some mothers and fathers don't worry teaching their kids good examples and they growing up seeing bad things happening thinking that it's normal a guy hanging a gun or using some drugs and they will probably become one of them, and everything keeps this huge deadly machine working. Regular people of favela don't have any rights , if you complain about loud sound or music because you have to resting to go to work the other day, you can be killed or they can order you go away of favela . The woman who said she feels safer inside of favela than in Copacabana, she just lied because she cannot say anything against the criminals and the other reason is that people who usually steal in other areas, most of them living in favelas , that's the true and they cannot do that inside of the favelas. Who lives in favela have no dignity, unfortunately!

[@user-pq7zz1pr3n]

I find the fascination this channel has with the favelas of Rio de Janeiro impressive. Out of every 5 documentaries about Brazil, 5 are about favelas. Half of the South American continent belongs to Brazil, there are other things besides Rio de Janeiro's problems

[@sumimaind]

Agree 100%

[@eugenevikernua1675]

At least there is always warm weather. This kind of slums is impossible in cold climate.

[@user-xl2nd3nv9m]

thats interesting food for thought, climate can change so much

[@itisi2615]

There are slums in Russia and other cold countries. Don't say stupid stuff like this that you pull out your behind.

[@melissamoran5626]

Exactly what I think, why are colder countries safer? Does heat makes people more prone to crime? I am from Panama living in Iceland

[@drakkull007]

As a Brazilian, I think there's a structured way for the government to keep people in poverty. How so? The poor don't have access to good education; elementary school, the very foundation to develop further knowledge as we grow up, is REALLY bad. By neglecting education, the government keeps the vast majority in ignorance, which allows bad politicians to perpetuate their rule over the nation because, in Brazil, we are obliged to vote every 2 years. So, we have the sum of a nation that lacks fundamental knowledge about politics (everything, actually), greedy politicians, and a historical case of pillage by empires, taking natural resources where only a handful of people benefit from it. So, there it is, the disparity, where few have a lot and many have so little. Anyway, nice video

[@felipericketts]

Humanity persists, even in places where it might appear it would not. Thanks for telling this story!

[@marcoscabrinirianidosreis6655]

Beautiful documentary, I’m from Brazil from a low income family however I grow up far from a big city so the reality of the favelas has only being from what I’m used to see on TV, it’s brutal and sad, and exciting at the same time. Brazil as country has many realities, as if we had a country within a country, with cities within cities. The consequence of mismanagement, slavery and poor wealthy distribution along with racism, has unfortunately created something kind of unique and complex to be fixed, I truly hope this can change someday, to be fair things are much better now, but still there is a lot to be done

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@ngalahansel6066]

I like how Western reporters go to middle-income countries and are always just fascinated by the poorer neighborhoods and obsessed with crime and sometimes exaggerating it. I say this because i was just watching a video of Wode Maya and later one by an African-American guy who all went to the favelas and were all welcomed by the residents. Even Matthias in this video is filming in most parts of the favela just fine, so why the hype about crime? I mean i know it's there (same as in Berlin, New York, Johannesburg, Sydney or Hong Kong) ie every major global city has crime if you're in the wrong parts of those cities. I just don't think we should reduce the world to a Eurocentric perspective of only seeing negatives. Regards from Windhoek, Namibia

[@PHlophe]

Ngala, it is true generally but it doesn't apply to Brazil though . I'll explain. my aunt lives in BR and i'd spent a whole month in Belo Horizonte just to get a feel of the culture . I promise you if you watch the Brazilian news , this is EXACTLY how to report on Favelas. Theyve got regular police stand offs , skinny blondes journalists with freshly manicured nails reportting outside with a bullet proof vest . Shoot out etc... this documentary is tame in comparison. When they are done , the travel to the indigenous , they too have their own backward treatment, This is a country where if you watch the TV you'd think 90% of the country is a monochrome shade of white.

[@ValiHer0]

​​@@PHlopheBut he didn't lie that this reality is very much the case in favela areas, for example São Paulo has almost no confrontation because only one faction dominates everything The Midwest of the country has a very rural and much calmer culture, as well as the south varies a lot, many Brazilians have never lived this reality shown in the video is very specific to the Rio and perhaps some regions of the northeast while the north of the country has a crime more linked to mining But crime for most Brazilians comes in the form of robberies and thefts, different from the reality of the video So, that's why I think the boy is correct, Brazil is not only that, but I understand articles that record these areas, at no time does the article say that Brazil is like this, it is only showing life in the favelas, so I don't see a problem either, after all it is a subject that draws attention very easily

[@manuandrade2484]

I really don't think the documentary reduced Brazil to it. And the violence in Rio's slums/favelas is not a hype. He and others were only able to film because he knew people from the community, who'd speak to the dealers beforehand. You need authorisation to BE there, and things can go wrong at any second. What Matthias described at 31:55 for instance is legit; lots of people who drove into the wrong street (probably following waze or gps) died. Almost happened with a colleague of mine once, and she was a local; she was taking her dog to the vet with her parents, turned the wrong corner, and saw herself surrounded by a bunch of AK-47s pointing at her car and ready to make a sieve out of it. And do you know how they treat reporters who threat to expose them? They kidnap them, torture them, roll tires around the whole extent of their bodies so they can't move, set them on fire, then throw them off a cliff. That's what they did with Tim Lopes and many others. The crime you find there isn't gang crime. Red Command, which controls many of the slums there, is not a gang, but one of the greatest criminal organisations in South America. And what differentiates it from other countries is the level of control they have, on broad day light, over such a populated area. Other organisations operate in the shadows, and have power over the business they run, not the population, the streets, the infrastructure. RC wants to keep stability and not draw in police action, but they can do whatever they want with you often without consequence. And both Matthias and the residents knew that.

[@arbaz79]

Once again an amazing documentary by DW showing us stories & problems from every corner of the world❤.A very brave journalism by going straight into the danger zone.God bless that mother of 2 children.She is doing everything she can to provide for her 2 children.I hope her children grow up and earn a good living so that their mother could retire and enjoy the rest of her life.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for your kind comment!

[@itisi2615]

That mother didn't have money to feed herself and then decides to have children she can also not feed and give a life of pain and suffering. That mother is not a hero but the main problem.

[@sumimaind]

But they are just showing the same topics about Brazil that every single international media outlet likes to show. There is so much more to the country...

[@theflyent7106]

God bless all the families trying to survive, I pray for you all to have a better life and for the kids to grow and be great... Love from michigan 💯

[@leecassius4718]

Just got back from Rio..amazing

[@angelaharrison6320]

Excellent job thank you

[@chibaby]

Amazing and insightful documentary

[@emiliobonet1508]

I love my Brasileiros❤. From experience. They are very nice, loving, respectful 🙏 ❤️. Brasil ❤❤❤❤

[@jamaljames2578]

Always watching from Georgetown Guyana south America 🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾

[@user-ys9to2ie7k]

"Religion is what keeps the poor from destroying the rich" - N. Bonaparte ¿`_

[@prophecyrat2965]

Lethal Atuonomous Weapons keeps humans slaves to Civilization-🦾🤖🏭☢️🔥💀

[@henda1538]

True

[@FlamencoOz]

Not true anymore. Not much religion in developed nations nowadays and the divide between rich and poor is growing and the middle class is getting destroyed.

[@sayonara5g680]

@@henda1538true for chimpanzee logic 🍌

[@DixonDixon65]

💯🎯🎯🎯

[@harrycurrie5295]

Loved this video

[@CaneBTC]

DW, kudos for being an actual good mainstream media, this is becoming very rare.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@jsphat81]

Great documentary. It would be nice if you added subtitles instead of dubbing over the dialogue. it's great for those of us who are learning languages, in my case, Portuguese.

[@mayconsilva1997]

I can help you

[@JamEZ87]

And to think these people built all of those places. I think we're beyond human.

[@BristolBerg]

The background music selection is amazing 🔥 😂 12:07

[@Messenger87]

Hey do you know the title kf the song in 9:38 pls

[@luana2778]

Lol

[@sj9159]

​@@Messenger87 Sunflower - Post malone

[@nobodysbusinessnowinnit3272]

DW is the Vice news minus the negative things! great docu, as always.

[@udhayveersingh1855]

What bad stuff?

[@spartacus551]

Brazil is so diverse racially!

[@tmajec]

And institutionally racist

[@ordemeprogresso4]

In the favela there is no cultural diversity, because those who live in places like this in Brazil are black

[@mvnorsel6354]

First thing I noticed while in Brazil😅 still here after 5 days, all good😅.

[@Anonimous279]

Brazil 🙈💩

[@Kwka777]

Brazil and Usa most racial diverse countries

[@whydoyouwanttoknow4464]

Videos like this is how I learn about the world we live in. I rather watch documentaries like this instead of watching TV news. You'll never see this on any news network

[@prg2457]

Tonight, its my almost 5 documentary from Pakistan, to Asian countries, middle east to India and now this Brazil....everywhere humanity is in crisis ....life is so cruel...

[@kb4640]

Seems like people are cruel.

[@deadlykiss26]

Thank you for sharing this story. It’s so moving and touching. We hope Ms. Fereira’s children get a better life one day. How can private citizens contribute towards their surfing 🏄 and education? Thank you.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching!

[@edivaldomendes6507]

i'm not Brazilian but the media paper is to show just the bad sides... in addition i were in Brazil like 15y ago, and i was very well recieved by the people there. Brazil is very cultural country, of course there is gangs (they're more than 100M people) like in the other parts of the world ( including Europe).

[@crisk3077]

Amazing documentary!

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@georgiamanu6353]

I was there in 2020 right before the pandemic. Some of the best views of Rio is at this favela. This journalist is being dense these people are living in extreme poverty he is making it seem like they have a choice without addressing the systemic implication of how the government keep these people from advancing in life.

[@ctgal9698]

Systemic oppression

[@breakdownshakedown71]

Exactly!!!!

[@hinaydassani5867]

Another great documentary. I loved the one about Marseille cartels. Both very profound

[@raquelmacdonald8572]

Love their faith and dedication, regardless of their circumstances. Many, including myself, can learn from them.

[@WayneMaher-uh5vz]

News only report the bad in the favela but like that man said 95percent are hard working people good people

[@TheFurier]

39:57 the bed sheet in the girl's room is written in 3 Chinese words, which means 神 God, 幸 Good fortune, 美 beauty, reflects the goals of life for the young generation in Brazil.

[@larsthorwald3338]

What a mess. I'd go nuts.

[@brucegreen5781]

lol this city is lawless anything goes

[@generalbenjaminarrola340]

Não tem estado, vira uma bagunça mesmo

[@larissamello3262]

As a brazilian, I don’t go there anymore. I get annoyed about how disorganized and dangerous it is.

[@hafajulz]

Such a superb documentary!

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for your support!

[@Grace-zz5dd]

I wish I had the capability of supporting the education of those two precious children. I bet she would be an amazing doctor with that beautiful spirit.

[@janinesemper1119]

Brazil hard the system is to keep the rich richer and the poor to stay so 😢😢sad 😔

[@adlerbr5148]

You could make a documentary about Tim Lopes, the journalist who was kidnapped, tortured, tried and executed by drug traffickers in the Penha favela in Rio de Janeiro.

[@zabiransari10]

DW we really love your documentaries. The way you explain any topic is just remarkable! Love from India🇮🇳. ❤🙏

[@EwNotPaz]

we brazilians do not like indians

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks a lot for watching and for your positive feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to comment and are glad you like our content!

[@user-bs4ck6zy8v]

I love Brazil and it’s people

[@user-hq2dk9cg9t]

Wow had no idea as an ESL teacher from the US who has many Brazilian students online. I would hear about the favelas but never thought it was like this. Great Job DW...

[@carolinafd]

It is important to know this is a just one piece of reality of Brazil. Not every city has favelas, and not everyone has been in a favela. The countryside is usually very chill and has a much better quality of life,regardless if one is poor or rich.

[@sumimaind]

90% of the Brazilian population have never even been inside of a favela. The media likes to show the most shocking parts of the country of course, but the country is huge and very diverse.

[@user-hq2dk9cg9t]

@@carolinafd Thank you for the clarity.

[@TheLino026]

Does anyone know if there is also a version of this documentary with the original audio and just subtitles? In other words, one without the dubbing.

[@davimessias3429]

Obrigad!! to look brasilian people

[@kennethdonne]

Great morning to you from Kenneth D in Hamilton New Zealand.

[@civilservant9528]

Respect from Serbia