Acclaimed documentary filmmaker
Monika Treut follows up on her 1999 opus
Gendernauts with this look at Brazilian socialite-turned-activist Yvonne Bezerra de Mello. The wife of Alvaro Bezerra de Mello, a scion from a wealthy hotel-owning family, Yvonne lived in the very lap of luxury. She spent her time sculpting, writing, caring for her children, and practicing her equestrian skills. Then in 1993, her life changed when she heard about eight street kids executed by the Brazilian secret police. She quickly dropped her elite pursuits to found the "Children of Light" project, a group committed to the education and protection of street kids. Yvonne threw herself wholly into the endeavor performing not only as a fundraiser but also as a volunteer in the slums and back alleys of Rio's mean streets. Not only does she offer them food and education, but also she cares for homeless AIDS victims and tries to give everyone self-esteem. This film was screened at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide