A pictorial update on Spike Lee's documentary titled Go Brazil GO!, which will focus on the rise of that country (on the move particularly politically and economically) on the international scene, as one of the BRIC countries, an acronym that refers to Brazil, Russia, India and China, all gradually shifting global economic power away from the so-called long-dominating developed G7 economies. It is estimated that BRIC economies will overtake G7 economies by 2027, as the balance of power shifts.

In the last year, in terms of GDP (gross domestic product), Brazil overtook both France and the UK, making it the world's 6th largest economy.

To be included in the documentary, which we first told you about in March, are interviews Spike will have with former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and artists like Gilberto Gil, Jorge Ben Jor, Chico Buarque and soccer icon Pele.

And as I noted before… some Brazilian bloggers aren't too thrilled with the project, based on what's been revealed thus far; specifically, concern that the film will be more of a video travel brochure for the country, and won't focus on the country's social and racial inequities where Afro Brazilians are concerned; concerns that, as far as I know, haven't really be addressed. 

I just learned that Spike is already in production on the documentary currently, with several locations & interviews across the country planned, including the headquarters of the Afro-Reggae NGO known for offering opportunities through music to favela kids, actors from Brazilian cinema, as well as community leaders in São Paulo & Rio de Janeiro, and much more. So maybe that gives some answer to how all-encompassing the project will be.

I also found out that the plan is to have the documentary ready in time for the 2014 World Cup, which will be hosted by Brazil, in May of that year. So, we've got another 2 years to go, as it's said that Spike plans to go back to Brazil four or five times more (apaprently, he was there in April for the first round of shooting), spread out over the next 2 years.

The film is expected to be released in theaters in that country first. 

I haven't read much commentary from Spike on the project; unless I just missed one of his Twitter explosions (he's been silent there lately); and I'd love to know what his goal is specifically with the documentary, and whether he's at all aware of some of the concerns being expressed by Afro Brazilians. I'm sure he is!

The Brazilian government approached him to make the film by the way; I wonder what their selection process was, or if he was their guy from the get-go. 

I came across these still photos (above and below) from the film shoot; something to tie you over until we get to see some footage. The images are courtesy of photographer Vincent Rosenblatt. There are plenty more where these came from HERE.