Juventude, Democracia e Participação Política

As the director of "Youth, Direct Democracy, and Political Participation," I feel a profound sense of responsibility in giving voice to the silenced and marginalized. Our documentary is centered around young, predominantly Black individuals from the periphery of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, who have begun to step into the sphere of institutional politics.

Our journey takes us to the Irmão Rui Social School located in the Jardim Progresso neighborhood of Ribeirão Preto, a community born out of a decade-long land occupation struggle. The majority of its residents are migrant workers left unemployed by the mechanization of the sugar cane industry. It is a place of high social vulnerability, where young people grow up with virtually no state presence or basic social guarantees. These young people have taken the reigns of their community's political future into their own hands, and it's this story of determination and resilience that our documentary seeks to highlight.

The documentary provides an intimate look at a day in the life of these youth, as they navigate the challenges of their environment while participating in the "Youth and Political Participation" Project. This initiative fosters dialogue around political demonstrations that have occurred in Brazil since 2013, particularly the public protests triggered by an increase in bus fares and expanding into broader societal issues, such as the role of the state and the rights and duties of citizens.

Against the backdrop of increasing threats to the hard-won rights of workers, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, the project stands as a beacon of hope and resistance. The film follows the journey of these young people as they participate in expository classes, film viewings, and the creation of a Youth Parliament, making advisory and deliberative decisions within the Ribeirão Preto City Council.

As we weave through the lives of two protagonists linked to the project, we capture the interplay between their work, school, and the impact their education has on the community. In parallel, we feature interviews with researchers and teachers connected to the project.

In "Youth, Direct Democracy, and Political Participation," we aim to reveal the trials and triumphs of these individuals who strive to understand and strengthen democracy, public institutions, and the importance of their maintenance. Their story is one of empowerment and commitment - not only to personal growth but also to the broader fight for social and political change.