Meet Me in Recife

Like any large city, Brazil's Recife has its share of street children. However, because it's in a Third World country where unemployment is as high as 30%, and police "death squads" roam the streets, the situation is much more grim than elsewhere. At the Community of God and Our Lady, a large "family" of 50 orphans are living proof that, regardless of repressive social and political circumstances, where there is love, there is also hope. Four teens who are part of this unique community walk around the grounds and talk about their lives--like "normal" families, the siblings squabble, everyone has to study seriously, and each child learns to take responsibility for each other and for chores. The montages of everyday life are skillfully edited, and there is never a sense of pity or self-proclamation that might mar the joyful communal tone of this video. An accompanying study guide features excellent questions that will help children relate to their Brazilian peers and understand the concepts of family and mission work. Recommended primarily for religious schools and church groups. Aud: E, I, P. (E. Gieschen)