For the latest release from Rio de Janeiro-based DJ and producer Leo Justi, director Julio Secchin presents a sun-drenched portrait of passinho, the dance craze that’s spread from their native Brazil across the globe, spawned millions of YouTube videos and found fans in everyone from Cara Delevingne to Beyoncé. Here, Secchin talks about the film:
“Passinho—which translates as ‘footwork’—is the ultimate expression of Rio's Favelas. Born out of the alleyways in slums across the city, barefooted kids shaped this dance into a Brazilian institution.
“Far from the estate’s support and infrastructure, an amazing amount of talent emerged from the poorest neighborhoods in Rio. Young men and women turn to this artistic expression to avoid being recruited by one of the many drug trafficking gangs—an attitude that can be both risky and life-saving.
“Both dancers in the video have made a name for themselves in this business, and are now giving back to the community, teaching young kids. Dance move by dance move, they help to shape a brighter future for their neighborhood.”