Day 3 - Travelling

The 4REAL Crew once again rolls with a change of plans. Originally we had planned to return to Rio with Mos Def and MV Bill and spend the afternoon tuning into MV Bill’s reality in the City of God. However, it turned out that Mos has a daughter in Salvador so understandably he decided to stay for the day and visit with her. Sol remained with him and the plan was that they would catch a flight later that night. Meanwhile, the 4REAL crew jetted back to Rio with MV Bill. That night in Rio we talked with Sol in Salvador and the plan was that they would arrive at 5:00 AM and we'd head to the City of God in the morning.

Day 4 - City of God

At sunrise, Sol arrived, but without Mos Def and crew. Although disappointed that Mos would not be able to be with MV Bill in the City of God, we were glad that we got him and MV Bill together in Salvador.

Driving into the Cidade de Deus (City of God) we were struck by the calmness and normalcy of it. We did not expect to see bodies in the street, but we did have to check our Hollywood shades and preconceptions to remind ourselves that this was really just home for 120,000 people dealing with oppression and impoverished conditions.

As we rolled up, we saw MV Bill himself holding court in his hood, his favela, his most beloved place on the planet. MV Bill, with a smile, said that thankfully the Cidade is “tranquilo” for us to do the filming today. This was a day to cherish and get to know MV Bill on a whole other level.

Walking through the favela with MV Bill you begin the understand how much of an inspiring leader he is, everyone who passes has a comment, a nod, and an acknowledgement of this honoured man. His influence and responsibility is self-evident. While pointing out places of interest, MV Bill told us about the history of Cidade de Dues, the negative impact the film had on this community and so much more.

The day came to a close with a solemn moment as Bill shared the overwhelming challenges that the community is facing and his own struggle to keep hope alive. We left feeling an incredible amount of admiration and respect for MV Bill and a strong commitment to our work together from here on out.

Day 5 - CUFA (Centro Unica das Favelas)

After a visiting CUFA in the City of God, yesterday with MV Bill, we were so inspired we had to return again today for more filming.

CUFA, Centro Unica das Favelas is a project that MV Bill helps to coordinate. This center provides a space and opportunity in the favela where youth can be actively engaged in a variety of activities: media production, art, theatre, Hip Hop and sports… to name a few. At CUFA the students learn that there are alternatives to trafficking drugs, violence and gang life.

We were lucky to see the theatre class perform a play written and directed by the students, focusing on the issue of child abuse. Their drama teacher explained to us that students are encouraged to address real issues and challenges in their community.

From the energy of the students and all the people working at CUFA, we could see this truly transformational project is having a very positive and empowering effect on the entire community.

We were amazed to hear that all of the funding for this project comes directly from MV Bill and his sister Nega Gizza. We look forward to creating a partnership with these dedicated leaders that will further promote their transformational work.