{"id":33230,"date":"2016-10-02T08:00:39","date_gmt":"2016-10-02T11:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rioonwatch.org\/?p=33230"},"modified":"2025-08-07T12:07:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T15:07:06","slug":"un-documentary-profiles-sustainable-micro-businesses-in-rio-de-janeiro-film-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/?p=33230","title":{"rendered":"UN Documentary Profiles Sustainable Micro-Businesses in Rio de Janeiro [FILM REVIEW]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Clique aqui para Portugu\u00eas<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

On September 21, a new documentary featuring sustainable initiatives in Rio de Janeiro premiered at the Odeon cinema<\/a> in downtown\u00a0Rio. CenaRIO Sustentabilidade em A\u00e7\u00e3o<\/em><\/a> (ScenaRIO Sustainability in Action) was made by 30 Rio students\u00a0to document creative initiatives and businesses in Rio state<\/a> which contribute to a more sustainable and just world. Produced entirely on cell phones, the 25 minute\u00a0film features 16 Rio-based micro-entrepreneurs and organizations\u00a0which incorporate sustainable practices into their work, structure and production.<\/p>\n

The film and project is an initiative of\u00a0the Rio+20 World Center for Sustainable Development<\/a>\u00a0of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)<\/a> and the National Insurance School (ENS)<\/a>. Administration students from the ENS\u00a0participated in the pilot “Sustainable Development Semester” during which they traveled throughout Rio and the Baixada Fluminense<\/a> promoting the UN’s Agenda 2030<\/a> sustainability goals and documenting the initiatives which embody them.<\/p>\n

\"Arte<\/a><\/p>\n

The initiatives featured range from architecture to\u00a0fashion to gardening. Arte Fibonacci in Vidigal<\/a> in the South Zone<\/a> is a father and son micro-business which produces belts, bags, toys and pieces from recyclable material using macram\u00e9 technique. Entrepreneurs Julio Cesar, 56, and Ricardo Alves, 31, manufacture their products in the small workshop at Julio’s house.<\/p>\n

Parque Siti\u00ea<\/a>, also in Vidigal, is featured in the film. This\u00a0intergenerational project transforms degraded areas of public spaces and educates community members about horticulture. The\u00a0integrated sustainable practices, community resilience and collective action have transformed a garbage dump into a beautiful art garden. The project relies on the expertise of residents and a diverse range of experts, while the leadership and community ownership of Siti\u00ea is essential for maintenance and overall sustainability. The success of this visionary project can be used as a precedent for other communities.<\/p>\n

\"Parque<\/a><\/p>\n

Other initiatives focus on identity and empowerment. The Iporinch\u00ea Sal\u00e3o de Belezas Negras<\/a> in Tijuca<\/a> has the mission to create self-esteem and strengthen black identity.\u00a0A children’s art project introduces art and increased confidence to youth in the Jardim Gramacho<\/a> favela in Duque de Caxias<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Many projects featured\u00a0focus on recycling and reuse of discarded objects including plastic bags, plastic bottles, wood and drinks cans. The film shows artisan products created from these objects such as jewelry and clothing. Other initiatives revitalize spaces and create community.<\/p>\n

\"Iporinch\u00ea<\/a><\/p>\n

The film\u00a0highlights sustainability practices not only in the environmental sense, but also socially and economically<\/a>. Interviewees outline benefits from their enterprises such as employment and an income, and the opportunity to create friendships, train in a new area and plan for the future.<\/p>\n

With engaging interviews and fascinating projects, CenaRIO<\/em> provides an inspirational panorama of creative, collaborative, sustainable initiatives in Rio de Janeiro.<\/p>\n

Watch the trailer (in Portuguese) here:<\/h3>\n