Favela Government (2025)

8.0/10 • 30 min • Documentary

Overview

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

Jonny Pickup

Executive Producer

Sam Black

Recommendations

The Mole: Undercover in North Korea

S4: The Bob Lazar Story

A Toxic Love Story

Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye

I Am Heath Ledger

Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett

Marvel's Behind the Mask

Star Wars Biomes

Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski

The Class of ‘92

For the Love of Spock

Come See Me in the Good Light