Brotherhood - Australia/Colombia, dir. Laura Mora, 2006 – 18min
Shot on location in Melbourne’s housing commission flats in striking black and white, Brotherhood is the story of Syed and Ali, two Australian brothers of Middle Eastern background. Syed, passionate about music and street poetry, finds himself forced to take on the pain of those around him – his mum’s suffering, his community’s problems and Ali’s heroin addiction.
In Rio de Janeiro’s infamous favelas (shantytowns), residents must contend with violence, drug gangs and corruption on a daily basis. To defy such entrenched, overwhelming environmental challenges takes great courage and strength of will. Surfing Favela reveals how a group of young favela-dwellers take up surfing instead of crime, and find freedom and inspiration in the process.