In July 2015, Vice unveiled Broadly, its new women-focused channel that debuted on August 3, which covers topics that run the gamut – politics, culture, lifestyle, sex, fashion, and much more – all from the perspective of women around the world.
It’s a global endeavor, like its parent company, broadcasting in-depth documentaries about various subjects – especially those that may not be as well covered by mainstream news sources. Vice has made a point of being a place for men looking for “non-traditional” stories and news coverage, so this is an attempt at trying to appeal to women also seeking "non-traditional" stories, featuring a team of all-women correspondents (as you’d fully expect), tackling news with the same unfiltered approach that has given its parent – Vice – the uncompromising reputation it has today. I’m certainly a subscriber, and have shared some of Vice’s content on this blog in the past.
This is the third Broadly piece I’ve published on S&A, and it likely won’t be the last.
Titled "Inside Brazil’s Biggest Prison Beauty Pageant" the short version of the story reads: "Brazil, known for its beautiful beaches and beautiful people, is home to the biggest pageants in the world. Each year, Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss Earth are crowned in the country. And at the Penitenciaria Feminina da Capital in Sao Paolo – South America’s largest all-female maximum security prison – so is Miss Max. Unlike traditional pageants, the contestants competing for the title of Miss Max are currently serving long sentences for crimes like drug trafficking, kidnapping, and even homicide. They are, however, judged using the standard pageant criteria: beauty, poise, and talent – plus their record of good behavior. This year, LGBTQ inmates can also vie for the title of Mr. Congeniality. We travel to Sao Paolo, Brazil, to capture the days of preparation leading up to the crowning of Miss Max, which includes runway training from a professional choreographer and a day of hair and makeup courtesy of some of Brazil’s best stylists. We also talk with the incarcerated contestants about how a beauty competition can help them temporarily escape the monotony of their lives behind bars."
Watch the 40-minute documentary report below:
