The documentary series Território em Fluxo (Terrotory in Flux), produced by BdF, has won the Video category of the 47th Vladimir Herzog Prize for Amnesty and Human Rights Journalism, one of Brazil’s most prestigious awards in the field. Competing against productions from TV Globo and TV Brasil, the series secured 12 out of 14 jury votes.
Developed over nine months of reporting, Território em Fluxo challenges stigmatizing portrayals of São Paulo’s Cracolândia district by focusing on care, community, and the right to the city. Across five episodes (The Flux, Housing, Public Security, Health and Care, Art and Culture) the series highlights everyday practices of resistance and alternatives to the failed “war on drugs” policy, amplifying the voices of residents and activists.
Jurors praised the production for its respect and depth. “The subjects are placed at the center, and we are invited into their life stories with care, beauty, vulnerability, and dignity,” noted journalist and anthropologist Tatiane Klein, of the Socio-Environmental Institute (ISA). Others highlighted how the series frames harm reduction and cultural life as forms of struggle and resistance.
The series has already been recognized by the Patrícia Acioli Human Rights Prize, where it won second place earlier this year. For director Iolanda Depizzol, the Herzog award comes at a critical moment. “At a time when Cracolândia is facing intensified repression, this recognition affirms the importance of telling these stories,” she said, thanking local collectives who opened their space and voices to the project.
Created in 1979, the Vladimir Herzog Prize honors the journalist killed under Brazil’s dictatorship in 1975 and recognizes works that advance the defense of democracy and human rights. The 2024 edition saw 469 entries across multiple categories, with winners set to be celebrated in São Paulo on October 27.
Watch th full series with English subtitles here.
