State of Exception

Synopsis

As Rio de Janeiro took to the world stage with preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, a community of self-described “urban Indians” organized to fight back against their forced evictions, joining forces with other marginalized groups. A familiar narrative has emerged as these roaming corporate sporting events descend upon metropolises, causing major disruption and corruption to local democracies while displacing the most vulnerable. The resistance continues to grow from country to country, diminishing the power of these conglomerates with activism, independent media coverage and the determination of locals to hold their ground. Spending six years following their plight, Jason O’Hara embedded himself within these communities, steadfastly committed to highlighting the injustices that abound. Now that the spotlight moves on to Russia and Japan for these events, it’s increasingly necessary to witness the battles fought so they don’t end in vain