Favela Rising, a documentary about Anderson Sá and the AfroReggae movement in the Vigário Geral favela in Rio de Janeiro, has won Best Feature at the IDA.

Favela Rising is a story of ex-drug gang member Anderson Sá's awakening when his brother is killed by corrupt police who raid his favela, killing many innocent residents. At this moment in his life, Anderson asks the question how he will address violence in the favelas and decides to form the AfroReggae band and cultural movement, giving the youth of the favelas an alternative to the drug gangs.

Historically, the only viable path for money and status in the economically marginalized favelas are the drug gangs that control the favelas and plague the lives of the hard working people there. As the film points out, far more youths are killed in the favelas in Rio than in Palestine in the same period. The situaton is devastating. Favela Rising documents a community movement that offers another option and succeeds in not only giving the youths of the community a way out of the gangs, but also starts to heal some of the fractured aspects of favela life through radical artisitic projects. What emerges is an inspiring account of a self-actualized community.

Director/Producers Matt Mochary and Jeff Zimbalist are giving any and all proceeds from Favela Rising's theatrical and DVD release back to the community and AfroReggae. Jeff Zimbalist has stated many times publicly that the success of this film for him is measured only by the social action it brings about. The filmmakers are committed to using the film to help awaken similar movements in ghetto communities throughout the world.

To this point, in addition to the current IDA screening, Favela Rising will be screened in communities in LA where Anderson Sa will co-host the events. Tomorrow, Monday, there will be a screening at the Magic Johnson Theater in Englewood, where David LaChapelle (director of Rize) will be joining the crew as they screen Favela Rising for the subjects of the film Rize.

On Tuesday, at the invitation of Raul Diaz and Homeboy Industries, Favela Rising will be screened at Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights, recently known for the most violent and deadly gang activity in Los Angeles.

The directors and Anderson's (currently in the US) commitment extends far beyond the Rio Favela. They hope to inspire similar projects everywhere. Last night, after the screening, many in the audience asked Anderson if they could contribute funds to AfroReggae. In response he urged all present that the problem witnessed in Favela Rising is not a Brazilian problem. Rather it is a world problem. He further urged them to help their own neighbors, to find one of the community groups already working in their own cities and give them time and money.

Currently Favela Rising does not have a scheduled theatrical release for the US. One is hopefully coming soon. The documentary has been shortlisted for the Academy Awards and a nomination could have a profound affect on the ability to circulate the story further. For now, we can keep up with the film and release dates on the following blog: http://www.favelarising.blogspot.com.

If you can read portuguese, you can check out the AfroReggae movement at http://www.afroreggae.org.br/.