Argentina / 58 min / Dir: Maximiliano Ezzaoui / Natalia Baclini / Documentary

A group of young surfers from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, show us how the free spirit of surfing finds its  true essence in the crammed slums they live in. This genuine lifestyle alternative, helps them overcome the reigning marginality, violence and poverty of one of the most dangerous places in Latin America.

Surfing Favela was shot with the aid of the communities of Cantagalo and Rocinha; the latest, with its 250.000 inhabitants, is considered the biggest slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The documentary richly portrays the daily tasks of a group of surfers that helps the youth of their own community to discover in surfing, a direct bridge to freedom and nature. The surfers spend their days between the hills and the sea, trying to turn their projects into a sustained reality. But with so many difficulties and opposing forces,  their small actions become nothing but truly enormous feats.

The colourful characters, rich visuals and lively music create a complex puzzle that show us the true essence of surfing: the wonder of surrendering to the peace and beauty of a sport that washes away any misery.