If you're interested in finding out more about life in the favelas, I recommend watching 'City of Men', a spin-off TV series of the 2002 film 'City of God'. While it has many of the same themes and ideas, it concentrates more on the day to day problems and difficulties of those living in the favelas.

The documentary 'Rio Breaks' tells the story of two boys from a favela who dream of becoming professional surfers.

Another documentary, Complexo: Universo Paralelo, meets those who joined the drug gangs and their friends and neighbours who have to live with the consequences.

A PDF copy of 'A Conquista de Paz' can be found here. (Portuguese only)

News about community events in Vidigal can be found on its Facebook page.

For those interested in volunteering, Project Favela runs an education and community centre in the neighbourhood of Rocinha.