As part of the activities of the “Rocinha Memory” project, cell phone camera video production workshops were offered between June and August of 2017, with classes covering theory and practice. The goal was to expand the activities of audiovisual recording of social memory and cultural identities, geared toward community health agents (ACs) and young communicators, 17 women and 8 men, hailing from Rocinha as well as other favelas from the city’s South and North areas. The results are four short films shot using cell phone technology through the eyes of the residents and frequent visitors of Rocinha.
OPEN AIR
The short “A céu aberto: memória e história das favelas” (Open air: memory and history of favelas) presents concepts and practices of Rio de Janeiro’s own kind of social museology. It especially highlights the activities of the Favela Museum (Museu da Favela – MUF) and the Sankofa Museum of Rocinha Memory and History (Museu Sankofa memória e História da Rocinha), their importance and challenges they face.
CARRIERS
The short deals with part of the routine and histories of the workers who carry construction materials, home appliances and grocery shopping through the streets, alleys and passages that are inaccessible to cars and motorcycles at Favela da Rocinha.
A FARM AT ROCINHA
On the other side of the intense daily toil of Rocinha, it is possible to find rural ways of life coming from the country’s hinterlands. Antônio and Maria are two immigrants who had long decided to come to the big city but have kept habits that connect them straight to their origins and social memories.
TOURISM
Rio de Janeiro attracts many tourists. Over the last few years, the favelas of the South part of the city have joined the visitation itineraries, especially for foreigners. Tourism at Rocinha fosters reflection about how the residents frame and introduce their community to visitors.