Today I met a real life hero

Today I had the chance to interview one of my (s)heroes, Eleonora Menicucci. She is the Minister of Women's Policy for Brazil. She and Presidenta Dilma Rousseff were revolutionaries together fighting against the dictatorship and when they were both in their 20s they were inprisoned and tortured. They were cell mates in prison and now Dilma is Presidenta and she has appointed Eleaonora as Minister. If you need some inspiration just click here to read more about these incredible women. I am so honored to have this opportunity to meet and speak with them in person.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/04/24/brazil-s-strong-stance-on-women-s-rights.html

And here are pictures of Veronica and I with the Minister (in front of the Presidenta's photo) and pictures of Brazil's beautiful and impressive capitol city Brasilia.

Rio - a review

Rio was quite wonderful. The crew includes myself, Heather Arnet (writer/director/producer) and Veronica Marques (Producer for ELAS in Brasil). Veronica is also the current Director of Communications and incoming Co-Executive Director of ELAS the women's fund in Brazil. We are joined by Nathan Golon (Cinematographer/Director of Photography); Emilia Freire (Line Producer), and interns Louisa and Carolina who are have been managing the logistics of everything on the ground. And in Rio we are also joined by our driver Marcus, security guard William, and Sound Assistant Junio.

So now you know the cast of characters. :-) Everyone has been wonderful to work with and so welcoming to us. In Rio we have interviewed many incredible women. Here are just a few highlights and photos below from our week in Rio:
- Day One: We interviewed Delanie Costa from IBAM who has held candidate trainings for women and is on the Board of UN Women & has amazing knowledge of women's political trends in Brazil. Then we interviewed Marta Rocha, Chief of Police for all of Rio and discussed her long career in the police force, her experience as the first woman Police Chief of Rio, and we visited a women's police station, especially created to be a place where women can come to report sexual assault, rape, or domestic violence and receive support and assistance from female police officer and specially trained male police officers.
- Day Two: We met with Candace "Cindy" Lessa, the Board Chair of ELAS who has also worked with Ashoka, and is a leader in the development of social change philanthropy and the non-profit (or as they call it here "the citizen sector") in Brazil.
- Then we went to interview Tia Surica at the Portela Samba School. Surica is an Internationally famous singer and samba dancer and she has been instrumental in the development of this school - one of the oldest and most famous in all of Rio. We watched Surica sing and dance with the children at the samba school and talk to us about the critical role samba plays in the culture of Rio and in these children's lives. AND the role it had in empowering her to become a successful woman when her beginnings were so modest.
- Day Three: We met with a political science scholar who has written books and made a documentary about the role of women in the construction trades and development of Brazil. She has also written books about the representation of women in government and was a tremendous resource to us, giving a historical perspective to the importance of Dilma's presidency. Then we visited and interviewed Lillian who lives in and runs a business in a Favela and is a grantee of ELAS.
- Day Four: day We met with Fernanda Keller, 10 time winner of the IronMan triathlon she is an incredible inspiration. So strong, so smart, so beautiful. She spoke of the power of sports to transform her life, and the lives of other women and girls, and how important it is to have a dream and to work hard and to go for it!
- Then we interviewed Eliane Potiguara, who is a writer and activist for the rights and legacy and rich history of the Indigenous People of Brazil. She is a very spiritual woman and this meeting was very powerful. She told us how she was speaking on behalf of generations and generations of ancestors. We spoke of the role of indigenous women in politics in Brazil now and into the future.
- Then we met with Benedita da Silva. WOW! First black woman elected to Rio's city council, then to Congress, then to the Vice Governorship of Rio, then Governor of Rio, and now the Federal Senate. She participated in the crafting of the new Brazilian constitution and she was instrumental in both Lula and Dilma's presidential campaigns. I look forward to coming back to Brazil to volunteer on her Presidential Campaign after Dilma has been re-elected to a second term of course!
And these are just some highlights of the 14 women we interviewed in Rio. Now we off to Brasilia and will write more from there. Love, Heather

In Honor of Kasandra Wade

Those of you in Pittsburgh know that today there is a candle light vigil being held for our friend Kasandra Wade who was killed by her ex boyfriend two weeks ago, leaving her son motherless & our community shattered. That day she called 911 but when the police came - her ex said to them from the window of her apartment that everything was fine. That they did not need to come in. And without even seeing her they left. The next day they found her dead. Her ex shot her & then later that day he shot himself. The "What Ifs...." plague us.

I am in Brazil. Here I have met with the female Chief of Police for all of Rio (who is a woman), I have visited "women's police stations" that serve women & where female police officers are in charge, I have heard & learned so many new perspectives on how the women here are struggling & problem solving these complex issues here. I will write more later tonight. But for now here are pictures of Veronica & I with the Police Chief & at the women's police station. I have told all of them of Kasandra & while you in Pittsburgh are at the rally. We will be thinking of her & all of you from the other side of the Equator.

Day One - beautiful!

Day One - beautiful!
From the plane I could see Rio beneath...green, mountainous, mysterious.
Veronica is the most gracious host. She picked us up at the airport and has everything so organized for this wonderful adventure! Here are some photos from the taxi ride from the airport to the hotel.
Day one has included a quick film shoot at the airport, some downtime (a mid-day post-plane nap),  then a fantastic production meeting with Veronica and Nathan reviewing tomorrow's filming schedule and the production overview for our week in Rio. And now we are off to dinner.

Oh Rio Rio and She Dances on the Plane

Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand

Just like that river twisting through a dusty land

And when she shines she really shows you all she can

Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande - Duran Duran

So, after two years of planning the big day is finally here! I leave to Rio this evening. Several of you have asked me to give an update on what this project is. Well, the best way for me to do that, is to show you this - our film trailer. For the next six months, I will be on sabbatical from WGF. During this time I will be dedicating myself to making a film titled, "Madame Presidentá: Why Not U.S.?" which will be aired on PBS in 2014 (and screened in Pittsburgh in the fall of 2013). (The working title has been Vamos Meninas). From there it will travel to PBS stations and community screenings throughout the country. So, let me know if you want to host a screening in your neck of the woods. Today I set off and filming begins. Stay tuned to this blog where I'll be posting daily updates. Luv, h

Click Here to Watch the Trailer!!!!!   Then post below to let me know what you think. Obrigada! heather