Watch In the Shadow of the Hill

In the Shadow of the Hill is a 2016 documentary film directed by Dan Jackson. It tells the story of a community in a favela, or slum, in Brazil, as they prepare for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup. The film explores the issues of poverty, violence, and corruption that are part of everyday life in the favela, and the hopes and dreams of the people living there.

The film begins with an introduction to the community of Vila Autódromo, a favela in Rio de Janeiro that is located near the site of the new Olympic Park for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Many of the residents of Vila Autódromo have been living there for decades, but the Brazilian government is planning to demolish the community to make way for the Olympic Park. Despite protests from the residents and activists, the government is determined to proceed with the demolitions.

The film then shifts its focus to the nearby favela of Rocinha, the largest favela in Brazil, which is home to over 70,000 people. The community of Rocinha is preparing for the upcoming World Cup, which is set to take place in Brazil in 2014. The government has promised to improve the infrastructure and security in Rocinha, but many residents are skeptical of these promises.

The film introduces a number of residents of Rocinha, including a local journalist, a community organizer, and a group of young aspiring soccer players. The journalist documents the daily struggles of the community, including the violence and corruption that is rampant in the favela. The community organizer works to bring positive changes to Rocinha, including organizing soccer tournaments to keep young people away from the drugs and crime that are pervasive in the favela. The young soccer players dream of one day playing for Brazil's national team, but face numerous obstacles, including a lack of resources and opportunities.

Throughout the film, the residents of Rocinha voice their frustrations with the government and the media, who they feel have ignored the plight of the favelas. The film highlights the vast disparities between the wealthy areas of Rio de Janeiro and the poor favelas, where residents often lack access to basic necessities like clean water and education.

In the Shadow of the Hill also explores the role of soccer in Brazilian society, and how it is intertwined with politics, economics, and culture. The film shows how soccer brings joy and hope to the community, but also how it can be used as a tool for exploitation and corruption. The World Cup represents a major opportunity for Brazil, but also a potential threat to the rights and well-being of the country's most vulnerable communities.

Overall, In the Shadow of the Hill is a powerful and poignant documentary that sheds light on the struggles and resilience of the residents of Rio de Janeiro's favelas. Through the stories of the residents of Rocinha, the film provides a nuanced and complex portrayal of the challenges facing Brazil, and the possibilities for change and transformation.

In the Shadow of the Hill is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.