Favela Government

How a street gang became a government

Brazil's "Red Command" drug cartel is considered a plague by the government. But for the people of the favelas they control, Red Command *is* the government. They’re the de facto leadership of the area. The gang has taken over the role of the authorities in their shanty towns, where the state has long abandoned them. Away Days got special access to the Rio favelas, hanging out out with young foot-soldiers, speaking to commanders, and seeing how civilians live between the gangs and the equally violent police militias.

Cast

Jake Hanrahan

Reporter / Producer

Louis Hollis

Director of Photography

Thiago Dezan

Field Producer

Jonny Pickup

Executive Producer

Sam Black

Music