Brasilien: Der Clown von Cracolandia | ARTE Reportage

Cracolandia is the cynical nickname of a drug-ridden neighborhood in the heart of São Paulo, Brazil. The name comes from crack cocaine, which is traded and consumed here in what is considered the world's largest drug market. Shielded from the outside by the police and dominated within by the drug mafia, thousands of addicts live here under the open sky. One man wants to help them: a psychiatrist who disguises himself as a clown. This psychiatrist and clown is named Flavio Falcone. With his disguise, he hopes to gain the trust of the people of Cracolandia, with his wit and unwavering determination. He says, "The clown represents hope in the face of failure: people laugh at him because he stumbles, not because he succeeds. The people who live on the streets identify with him." Flavio managed to gain access to what is arguably the darkest neighborhood in this metropolis of 12 million. Here, Brazil's most influential gangs rule, and he has apparently gained their trust, or at least they allow him free rein. São Paulo's authorities respond to the fight against drugs primarily with repression and forced hospitalizations, evidently with little success. But Flavio Falcone walks the streets of Cracolandia every day to talk to addicts and tell them about his reintegration program. He offers them shelter, a job, treatment… #brazil #cracolandia #clown Video available until April 28, 2027 Link to the media library: https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/119260-... Subscribe to ARTE's YouTube channel:    / artede   Follow us on social media: Facebook:   / arte.tv   Twitter:   / artede   Instagram:   / arte.tv