Favela do Papa (2023)
A Brazilian documentary recovering the untold story of Vidigal's residents and their courageous fight against forced eviction in 1970s Rio de Janeiro.
Favela do Papa - Movie Information
- Original Title: Favela do Papa
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Marco Antonio Pereira
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 16m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: Portuguese
- Production Companies: Urbano Filmes
- Production Countries: Brazil
Favela do Papa - Plot
The film shows the resistance movement of the residents of Favela do Vidigal against the removal order, an important chapter in the history of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s.
Where to Watch Favela do Papa
Looking for where to watch Favela do Papa?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Favela do Papa - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Marco Antonio Pereira
Main Cast
- Armando Lima
- Marcão
- Eliana Reif
- Faria Lima
- Marília Coelho
- Carlos Rosa
- José Amaro
- Sérgio Ricardo
- Kizi Vaz
- Cavi Borges
Favela do Papa - FAQs
What is Favela do Papa about?
Favela do Papa documents the powerful resistance movement of Vidigal's residents in 1970s Rio de Janeiro, who stood up against a government-ordered eviction from their hillside community. The film recovers a largely forgotten chapter of Brazilian urban history, weaving together testimonies and archive footage to honor those who fought to stay.
Is Favela do Papa based on a true story?
Yes, absolutely. The film is rooted in real historical events from the 1970s, when residents of Favela do Vidigal in Rio de Janeiro organized to resist a removal order from authorities. Their successful fight to remain in their community became a landmark moment in Brazilian social history.
Who directed Favela do Papa?
Favela do Papa was directed by Marco Antonio Pereira, a Brazilian filmmaker who brought this important chapter of Rio de Janeiro's history to the screen through the production company Urbano Filmes.
Who appears in Favela do Papa?
The documentary features community members and witnesses including Armando Lima, Marcão, Eliana Reif, Marília Coelho, Carlos Rosa, José Amaro, and musician Sérgio Ricardo, alongside filmmakers and cultural figures like Kizi Vaz, Cavi Borges, Antônio Pitanga, Osmar Prado, and Silvio Tendler.
Why was Vidigal threatened with removal in the 1970s?
During Brazil's military dictatorship era, Favela do Vidigal — perched on a prime hillside overlooking the sea in Rio de Janeiro — faced removal pressure driven by real estate interests and urban development policies that sought to displace low-income communities from valuable land. The residents' organized resistance ultimately succeeded in preventing the eviction.
How long is Favela do Papa?
Favela do Papa runs for 76 minutes, making it a focused and concise documentary that efficiently tells the story of the Vidigal community's historic resistance without overstaying its welcome.
What language is Favela do Papa in?
The film is entirely in Portuguese, reflecting its Brazilian origins and the voices of the Vidigal community members and witnesses who share their experiences and memories throughout the documentary.
What documentaries are similar to Favela do Papa?
If Favela do Papa resonates with you, you might also enjoy Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2019), A Plastic Ocean (2016), The Elephant Whisperers (2022), The Mole: Undercover in North Korea (2020), and Heart of a Dog (2015) — all thought-provoking documentaries exploring society, community, and the world around us.
More About Favela do Papa
Explore further details and databases for Favela do Papa below.