Cinema Nosso – harnessing the power of film to inspire disadvantaged youth

This hugely successful media and film project has allowed disadvantaged young people the chance to tell their stories to the world. The Cinema Nosso programme uses the tools of digital media to educate and empower young people in the favelas through training in media skills, introduction to the job market and a means of self-expression.

Since 2004, ABC has been working with Cinema Nosso (formerly 'Nós do Cinema') in funding its media and film making activities, equipment and training programmes. We are also supporting the formation of a local collaborative network. Cinema Nosso's work helps to ensure the re-integration of marginalised youth into society.

promoting artistic inclusion

Fernando Meirelles, ABC Patron, co-founded this media skills training project initially as an acting workshop for his Oscar-nominated film, City of God (Cidade de Deus, 2002).

After filming ended, the project continued and has since given over 500 young people from the poorest favelas a chance to learn new skills and express themselves through film.

advanced skill development

• New headquarters in central Rio is the base for advanced classes, and producing films and commercials for local organisations.
• The ABC - Lily Hastings-Bass Memorial Fund is supporting Cinema Nosso, with a newly equipped editing room named in her memory.
• The Audiovisual School offers classes in the dramatic arts, scriptwriting, direction, photography, sound, costume design, editing, animation and film history. Computer science, lighting and production training, improves professional and technical knowledge.

active in the community and beyond

Cinema Nosso aims to become a centre for a larger network of media-based initiatives in Brazil and Latin America:

Students' films have been exhibited in many festivals.  In 2007 alone they participated in over twenty film festivals across the world.

An outreach programme shares students' work through organised events and workshops in schools. These facilitate dialogue between participants and students encouraging social awareness.

In 2007, with São Paulo's Nossa Tela and France's OMJA, the first Brazil-France Connection Festival was held to promote social integration and global awareness.

news stories

	Latest news | new grant New developments at the film and media project include a top of the range Editing Room and a Community Film Screening Facility.
	october 2007 | project update Cinema Nosso (formerly 'Nós do Cinema') has been developing its vision for the future, creating a centre for multimedia arts and establishing an international presence