Hill of Pleasures

After decades of lawlessness, order seems to have returned to the Hill of Pleasures, a favela close to Rio’s centre, a Pacifying Police Unit (UPP) has taken over control from organized crime. There is intensive patrolling, law has been restored and for the first time, residents get to voice their complaints. But years of police aggression and the absence of the State aren’t that easily forgotten.
In Hill of Pleasures, director Maria Ramos looks at this new situation - the process of pacification - from the perspective of six main characters: the local postman, a teenager with a history of involvement in drug dealing, a bookseller and three police officers - the captain responsible for the UPP Unit of the Hill, the commanding officer of all UPPs and a patrolling policeman. In her observational style, Ramos shows the daily tensions between residents and the new police force and looks at the obstacles on the road to reconciliation.
As in Justice and Behave, Hill of Pleasures reflects on the concept of justice, law and citizenship held by residents as well as those who must uphold it, in this case, the UPP policemen and women.