“The big problem in our history was never the lack of God, but the excess,” claims historian Luiz Antonio Simas. Throughout Brazilian history, countless atrocities have been committed in the name of God. In this episode, we hear from the indigenous activists fighting to preserve their land and traditions, following centuries of efforts to subjugate them to Christianity and European rule.
We also meet Costanzo Bruno, a Catholic priest who believes Jesus’ message is being distorted in order to justify violence. The film walks us through the history of Catholicism, from a religion for the poor to a tool of the establishment. Whether it be the reforms of the Second Vatican Council or the anti-communism of John Paul II, the politics of the Vatican have had an immense impact on Brazil’s evolution.
Yet all that may be about to change. By 2032, it is projected that Brazil will be a majority evangelical country. On the one hand, these new churches are providing ex-convicts with opportunities for rehabilitation. On the other hand, tensions between Protestants and Catholics are mounting. Once again, violence is being committed in the name of God.
Is Brazil a failed state or is it achieving what it was always designed to do?
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Through interviews with both police and militia men, this episode exposes how Brazilian governments have entrenched an approach that increases trafficking while reducing the price of drugs.
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Through personal stories from people on both sides of the conflict and powerful footage, Favela Frontlines takes you straight to the heart of the battle between police and drug traffickers in Brazil.
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