CHICAGO – This interview with “Favela Rising” director Jeff Zimbalist is being published on Feb. 29, 2008 in relation to the similar film “City of Men,” which opened in theaters on Feb. 29, 2008. Adam Fendelman’s interview with Zimbalist took place much earlier in March 2007.

“Favela Rising” documents the journey of a who man emerges from the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to lead the non-violent cultural movement known as Afro-reggae.

Similarly, “City of Men” documents two best friends – about to turn 18 – who make discoveries about their missing fathers’ pasts that will shatter their solid friendship. The film takes place in the middle of a war between rival drug gangs from Rio de Janeiro’s favelas (slums).