Setenta
New York City, New York | Film Short
Documentary
In the hillside favela of Julio Otoni, a tight knit group of teens turned young adults-now knows as 'setenta'- use humor, sports, creativity, and collective strength to rewrite the narrative of their community. This film amplifies voices rarely seen, offering an honest, human portrait of resistance.
Setenta
New York City, New York | Film Short
Documentary
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $9,202 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
45 supporters | followers
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In the hillside favela of Julio Otoni, a tight knit group of teens turned young adults-now knows as 'setenta'- use humor, sports, creativity, and collective strength to rewrite the narrative of their community. This film amplifies voices rarely seen, offering an honest, human portrait of resistance.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
[LISTEN HERE]
WHERE THE DREAMERS LIVE...
The heart of Julio Otoni, a favela in Rio de Janeiro, a unique story unfolds that celebrates the magic of community and resilience. This short film takes us back to a time when I was a teacher there at just 18 years old, guiding a group kids who have since transformed their lives through creativity. Now, they are the voices of their neighborhood, using social media to craft comedy skits and sports initiatives for kids in their community that defy the stereotypes often associated with favela life. They call themselves ‘Setenta’ (70).
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Our Film shines a light on a vibrant community reclaiming its identity and pride amidst adversity. These young creators serve as a beacon of hope, illustrating how innovation and technology can shape a brighter future. Their journey showcases what truly matters in life connection, joy, and the unwavering spirit of a community that, despite being overlooked, thrives on laughter and love.
Join us as we explore a narrative that champions resilience and creativity, revealing the untold stories of those often forgotten by society. This is not just a film; it’s a celebration of happiness and hope in the face of challenges, reminding us that we are all capable of redefining our destiny.
As filmmakers, we hold the power to shape perception to decide who gets seen and how they are remembered. Stories like this remind us why it’s crucial to turn our lenses toward communities that have been misrepresented or overlooked. When we choose to tell these stories with care and authenticity, we expand empathy, dissolve stereotypes, and remind audiences of our shared humanity.
This film is my way of reframing what the world thinks it knows. It’s an homage to the strength and beauty of communities that exist beyond the margins a love letter to Julio Otoni and the people who taught me that hope is not a privilege, but a practice.
In recent years, Rio’s favelas have once again found themselves at the center of global attention not for their culture or creativity, but for the violence imposed upon them. As Brazil prepares for international spotlights from sporting events to political milestones communities like Julio Otoni often become targets of intensified police operations and state “clean-ups.”
These raids are framed as security measures, yet they too often result in the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of the very social fabric that holds these neighborhoods together. And because mainstream media has long painted these communities as dangerous, disposable, or broken, the world rarely questions the brutality or the narratives that justify it.
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to challenge that portrayal. Through the lens of Setenta , we can illuminate the humanity, humor, and heart that thrive within the favelas — stories that resist erasure and reveal the strength of communities that have survived systemic neglect and stigmatization. Through their laughter, resilience, and self-made artistry, Setenta embodies the truth that rarely makes headlines: that favelas are not just sites of struggle, but of community, joy, and ingenuity.
That began as an unlikely act of redemption has become one of the community’s most inspiring projects. The football club was first created by a former trafficker who wanted to give local kids an alternative to show them there was a better way to spend their time than falling into the cycles of drugs or crime. When he left the gang and found legitimate work, the next generation stepped in.
Now, the youth from Setenta run the football club themselves, hosting practices twice a week for over seventy kids. They divide the groups by age, lead drills, teach teamwork and discipline, and organize small tournaments—all without funding or formal support. Many of the players arrive barefoot, yet their passion never wavers.
I’ve seen the club firsthand—the energy on that pitch is electric. It’s more than just a game; it’s a lifeline. The field, set just below the favela’s central drug point, has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and community the place where a new generation learns what’s possible when they play for something bigger than themselves.
Setena have coined a unique approach to content creation. Armed with phones, humor, and boundless imagination, they are redefining storytelling. Their short form skits turn the rhythm of daily life into comedy capturing joy, irony, and truth in equal measure. Through laughter, they challenge stereotypes and celebrate the vibrant spirit of their community, proving that creativity can flourish even in the most unexpected places.Their humor not only entertains it reclaims narrative power. I can liken these skits to things like ‘people just do nothing, Morecambe & Wise, I think you should leave with Tim Robinson, Monty Python. Whilst drastically different in content I think the comparison in approach is an interesting one given the environment, subjects and stars.
At its center, this film is a coming-of-age story set against one of the most misrepresented landscapes in the world. While the group Setenta creates comedy, joy, and community from inside the hills of Julio Otoni, the real story is unfolding quietly beneath the punchlines: two young men NC and Heverton are navigating the impossible tension between dreaming big and surviving in a country where simply staying afloat is a full-time job. The project follows the whole group and the world they’ve built together — the skits, the football club, the daily choreography of life in the favela.
But the emotional center rests on NC and Heverton, who founded the group out of nothing more than necessity and imagination. Their dilemma is deeply relatable yet uniquely shaped by their environment: How do you chase a creative life when your reality demands you earn, provide, and survive first? How do you choose art when life keeps telling you to choose stability?
Both of our main characters are facing decisions that will impact their futures and the future of Setenta. This is a film about ambition in a place that rarely rewards it; about brotherhood formed through shared struggle; and about two young men who believe in their collective’s potential even when the world around them makes that belief feel fragile.
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The sonic world of the film will move like breath grounded in the raw pulse of Brazil. Under the musical supervision of artist Jacob Banks, the soundscape will blend original compositions with field recordings that capture the living texture of place: the rhythm of footsteps on cracked pavement, the echo of drums rising from alleyways, the distant call of voices that hold both ache and hope.
Music will flow between the global and the local Jacob’s cinematic sensibility meeting the visceral sound of emerging artists from Rio, whose songs carry the heartbeat of their communities. Together, these elements form a sound experience that is not simply heard, but felt — intimate, percussive, and alive with the spirit of resistance and renewal.
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Why it matters
Independent films like this exist because people choose to believe in them.
Backing this project means supporting ethical storytelling, artists reclaiming their narrative, and a community that continues to create joy and opportunity despite being misrepresented or overlooked.
Help us cross the finish line!
- Pledge today — every contribution moves the project forward
- Follow the campaign to stay connected
- Share the link with two friends or on your socials
- Leave a comment to boost visibility
Help us prove that stories like Julio Otoni’s matter and that joy, creativity, and community deserve to be seen.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment (Camera + Audio)
Costs $5,000
To capture Julio Otoni honestly and highlight the beauty and reality of the community with strong, cinematic visuals.
Crew & Community
Costs $3,000
Local coordination, community communication, and on-set support to keep production respectful and organized.
Accomodation
Costs $2,000
To bring our team to Rio so we can film directly with the Setenta group in their community.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Shadeh Smith (@shadehsmith)
Shadeh Smith is a multidisciplinary storyteller guided by emotion, culture, and human connection. Her work moves through music, documentary, and experience — where character, truth, and visual poetry meet. Having shaped narratives for artists like Lizzo, Kehlani, Burna Boy, The Marías, J Balvin, Ava Max, Anne-Marie, Camila Cabello, and Naomi Sharon, she approaches every story with deep attentiveness to people, place, and the unseen threads that bind them. Shadeh’s projects span continents — from Brazil to Mexico, New York to Lagos — each shaped by global curiosity and a dedication to representing communities with nuance and care. Her collaborations include Atlantic Records, Kai Cenat, IShowSpeed, ComplexCon, Sprite, OVO Sound, and Tap Management, building worlds that feel lived-in, intimate, and unforgettable. At her core, Shadeh tells stories that elevate culture, challenge perception, and leave audiences with something that lingers.
Cam Robert (@cont4ct)
C.T. Robert is a filmmaker, photographer, and writer from Germantown, MD, now based in Los Angeles. With a foundation in journalism at outlets such as the San Francisco Chronicle and NPR’s Tiny Desk, he brings a level of thoughtfulness that resonates deeply through his work.
His films and photography often center around race, gender, and identity, aiming to reframe cultural narratives and challenge stereotypes with intention and care.
Sebastian Urrea-Giraldo (@cbassmofam)
Sebastian Urrea is an Atlanta-based director and producer from Medellín, Colombia, and a founding member of the collective Motion Family. A graduate of SCAD with a BFA in Film & Television, he began his career producing music videos and photography before expanding into commercial and branded content. Through Samacan, Urrea and his team have created work for major artists, brands, and networks — collectively earning over a billion views on YouTube. He also co-founded Atlanta Worldwide Gallery, a creative space supporting local art and film equipment access. Known for his collaborative spirit and ability to unify diverse creative perspectives, Urrea’s work is rooted in storytelling, design, and community.
Tahiry Bah (@tahirybah)
Tahiry Bah is a New York–based creative producer with a background in modeling, talent development, and production. She began her career as a model before expanding into talent support, music production, and creative coordination. She has worked with emerging artists such as Olivia Joan, Alexandar-Julian, and TJ Atoms across music videos, fashion shows, and culture-driven projects.
She founded Muse Selects, a platform dedicated to supporting emerging talent and the development of creative POC. Centered in people, community, and collaboration, she is known for her intuitive approach and her ability to help creative teams work smoothly and confidently together.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
[LISTEN HERE]
WHERE THE DREAMERS LIVE...
The heart of Julio Otoni, a favela in Rio de Janeiro, a unique story unfolds that celebrates the magic of community and resilience. This short film takes us back to a time when I was a teacher there at just 18 years old, guiding a group kids who have since transformed their lives through creativity. Now, they are the voices of their neighborhood, using social media to craft comedy skits and sports initiatives for kids in their community that defy the stereotypes often associated with favela life. They call themselves ‘Setenta’ (70).
Our Film shines a light on a vibrant community reclaiming its identity and pride amidst adversity. These young creators serve as a beacon of hope, illustrating how innovation and technology can shape a brighter future. Their journey showcases what truly matters in life connection, joy, and the unwavering spirit of a community that, despite being overlooked, thrives on laughter and love.
Join us as we explore a narrative that champions resilience and creativity, revealing the untold stories of those often forgotten by society. This is not just a film; it’s a celebration of happiness and hope in the face of challenges, reminding us that we are all capable of redefining our destiny.
As filmmakers, we hold the power to shape perception to decide who gets seen and how they are remembered. Stories like this remind us why it’s crucial to turn our lenses toward communities that have been misrepresented or overlooked. When we choose to tell these stories with care and authenticity, we expand empathy, dissolve stereotypes, and remind audiences of our shared humanity.
This film is my way of reframing what the world thinks it knows. It’s an homage to the strength and beauty of communities that exist beyond the margins a love letter to Julio Otoni and the people who taught me that hope is not a privilege, but a practice.
In recent years, Rio’s favelas have once again found themselves at the center of global attention not for their culture or creativity, but for the violence imposed upon them. As Brazil prepares for international spotlights from sporting events to political milestones communities like Julio Otoni often become targets of intensified police operations and state “clean-ups.”
These raids are framed as security measures, yet they too often result in the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of the very social fabric that holds these neighborhoods together. And because mainstream media has long painted these communities as dangerous, disposable, or broken, the world rarely questions the brutality or the narratives that justify it.
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to challenge that portrayal. Through the lens of Setenta , we can illuminate the humanity, humor, and heart that thrive within the favelas — stories that resist erasure and reveal the strength of communities that have survived systemic neglect and stigmatization. Through their laughter, resilience, and self-made artistry, Setenta embodies the truth that rarely makes headlines: that favelas are not just sites of struggle, but of community, joy, and ingenuity.
That began as an unlikely act of redemption has become one of the community’s most inspiring projects. The football club was first created by a former trafficker who wanted to give local kids an alternative to show them there was a better way to spend their time than falling into the cycles of drugs or crime. When he left the gang and found legitimate work, the next generation stepped in.
Now, the youth from Setenta run the football club themselves, hosting practices twice a week for over seventy kids. They divide the groups by age, lead drills, teach teamwork and discipline, and organize small tournaments—all without funding or formal support. Many of the players arrive barefoot, yet their passion never wavers.
I’ve seen the club firsthand—the energy on that pitch is electric. It’s more than just a game; it’s a lifeline. The field, set just below the favela’s central drug point, has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and community the place where a new generation learns what’s possible when they play for something bigger than themselves.
Setena have coined a unique approach to content creation. Armed with phones, humor, and boundless imagination, they are redefining storytelling. Their short form skits turn the rhythm of daily life into comedy capturing joy, irony, and truth in equal measure. Through laughter, they challenge stereotypes and celebrate the vibrant spirit of their community, proving that creativity can flourish even in the most unexpected places.Their humor not only entertains it reclaims narrative power. I can liken these skits to things like ‘people just do nothing, Morecambe & Wise, I think you should leave with Tim Robinson, Monty Python. Whilst drastically different in content I think the comparison in approach is an interesting one given the environment, subjects and stars.
At its center, this film is a coming-of-age story set against one of the most misrepresented landscapes in the world. While the group Setenta creates comedy, joy, and community from inside the hills of Julio Otoni, the real story is unfolding quietly beneath the punchlines: two young men NC and Heverton are navigating the impossible tension between dreaming big and surviving in a country where simply staying afloat is a full-time job. The project follows the whole group and the world they’ve built together — the skits, the football club, the daily choreography of life in the favela.
But the emotional center rests on NC and Heverton, who founded the group out of nothing more than necessity and imagination. Their dilemma is deeply relatable yet uniquely shaped by their environment: How do you chase a creative life when your reality demands you earn, provide, and survive first? How do you choose art when life keeps telling you to choose stability?
Both of our main characters are facing decisions that will impact their futures and the future of Setenta. This is a film about ambition in a place that rarely rewards it; about brotherhood formed through shared struggle; and about two young men who believe in their collective’s potential even when the world around them makes that belief feel fragile.
The sonic world of the film will move like breath grounded in the raw pulse of Brazil. Under the musical supervision of artist Jacob Banks, the soundscape will blend original compositions with field recordings that capture the living texture of place: the rhythm of footsteps on cracked pavement, the echo of drums rising from alleyways, the distant call of voices that hold both ache and hope.
Music will flow between the global and the local Jacob’s cinematic sensibility meeting the visceral sound of emerging artists from Rio, whose songs carry the heartbeat of their communities. Together, these elements form a sound experience that is not simply heard, but felt — intimate, percussive, and alive with the spirit of resistance and renewal.
subheading
Why it matters
Independent films like this exist because people choose to believe in them.
Backing this project means supporting ethical storytelling, artists reclaiming their narrative, and a community that continues to create joy and opportunity despite being misrepresented or overlooked.
Help us cross the finish line!
- Pledge today — every contribution moves the project forward
- Follow the campaign to stay connected
- Share the link with two friends or on your socials
- Leave a comment to boost visibility
Help us prove that stories like Julio Otoni’s matter and that joy, creativity, and community deserve to be seen.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment (Camera + Audio)
Costs $5,000
To capture Julio Otoni honestly and highlight the beauty and reality of the community with strong, cinematic visuals.
Crew & Community
Costs $3,000
Local coordination, community communication, and on-set support to keep production respectful and organized.
Accomodation
Costs $2,000
To bring our team to Rio so we can film directly with the Setenta group in their community.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Shadeh Smith (@shadehsmith)
Shadeh Smith is a multidisciplinary storyteller guided by emotion, culture, and human connection. Her work moves through music, documentary, and experience — where character, truth, and visual poetry meet. Having shaped narratives for artists like Lizzo, Kehlani, Burna Boy, The Marías, J Balvin, Ava Max, Anne-Marie, Camila Cabello, and Naomi Sharon, she approaches every story with deep attentiveness to people, place, and the unseen threads that bind them. Shadeh’s projects span continents — from Brazil to Mexico, New York to Lagos — each shaped by global curiosity and a dedication to representing communities with nuance and care. Her collaborations include Atlantic Records, Kai Cenat, IShowSpeed, ComplexCon, Sprite, OVO Sound, and Tap Management, building worlds that feel lived-in, intimate, and unforgettable. At her core, Shadeh tells stories that elevate culture, challenge perception, and leave audiences with something that lingers.
Cam Robert (@cont4ct)
C.T. Robert is a filmmaker, photographer, and writer from Germantown, MD, now based in Los Angeles. With a foundation in journalism at outlets such as the San Francisco Chronicle and NPR’s Tiny Desk, he brings a level of thoughtfulness that resonates deeply through his work.
His films and photography often center around race, gender, and identity, aiming to reframe cultural narratives and challenge stereotypes with intention and care.
Sebastian Urrea-Giraldo (@cbassmofam)
Sebastian Urrea is an Atlanta-based director and producer from Medellín, Colombia, and a founding member of the collective Motion Family. A graduate of SCAD with a BFA in Film & Television, he began his career producing music videos and photography before expanding into commercial and branded content. Through Samacan, Urrea and his team have created work for major artists, brands, and networks — collectively earning over a billion views on YouTube. He also co-founded Atlanta Worldwide Gallery, a creative space supporting local art and film equipment access. Known for his collaborative spirit and ability to unify diverse creative perspectives, Urrea’s work is rooted in storytelling, design, and community.
Tahiry Bah (@tahirybah)
Tahiry Bah is a New York–based creative producer with a background in modeling, talent development, and production. She began her career as a model before expanding into talent support, music production, and creative coordination. She has worked with emerging artists such as Olivia Joan, Alexandar-Julian, and TJ Atoms across music videos, fashion shows, and culture-driven projects.
She founded Muse Selects, a platform dedicated to supporting emerging talent and the development of creative POC. Centered in people, community, and collaboration, she is known for her intuitive approach and her ability to help creative teams work smoothly and confidently together.