Alagados (Sim, Nao Mau Conduto)

The Alagados Project is a documentary film, photography, and education initiative
that aims to increase access to voice for youth from a marginalized community in
Salvador, Brazil and use visual imagery to raise awareness, generate dialogue
between people from different backgrounds, and inspire change.The Alagados College Scholarship Fund makes it possible for a handful of
extraordinary young people from the impoverished community of Alagados who
manage to pass the difficult entrance exam, to attend university. Our goal is to
fund 10 young people through their degrees. Visit www.alagados.com for more info on how to help

I first came across Bagunçaço and the community of Alagados in the fall of 1999 while on a study abroad program in Northeastern Brazil through the School for International Training. I was immediately struck, both by the extent of their poverty and social problems, but also- and more importantly- by their incredible vibrancy, musical expression, joy for life, and grassroots effort to help themselves.

Over the years, the inspiration of their energy and smiles and the memories of a people who have so little and give so much stayed with me. I had the persistent feeling that the world needed to see what I’d seen, and that in an increasingly inter-dependent world, global awareness and dialogue between people from different backgrounds is becoming more and more important.

In the making of this film, I was constantly impressed by how articulate and self-aware Renato is, by his daily struggle to overcome what seem like impossible odds, and by his desire to tell his story. It is my hope that in Renato’s story, you will see his humanity, determination, and strength of spirit and that these images can spark dialogue that will lead us all towards a more just, more tolerant, and more sustainable world.