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

Sniper: The Last Stand

S.W.A.T.: Under Siege

God Is a Bullet

Sniper: G.R.I.T. - Global Response & Intelligence Team

The Mole: Undercover in North Korea

All the Devils Are Here

One Mile: Chapter Two