World Film Collective

An evening of entertainment in aid of World Film Collective's work teaching sustainable filmmaking workshops to deprived young people worldwide.

Held at Favela Chic, the outrageously funky Brazilian venue located in the East End of London, Rio Life promised to be an intoxicating evening of Brazilian music, dance, film and fun - AND IT WAS!

On Thursday 4th September '08, East End revellers and WFC supporters experienced an exciting and jam-packed evening, kicking off with an introductory screening of some films made by young people during WFC workshops to date.

This was a great chance for party-goers to find out more about our work and watch the brilliant films that workshop graduates have already made.

Next came the first entertainment of the evening, an amazing performance by samba band Batuque Pra Valer, which had nearly everyone up on their feet dancing to the funky Brazilian beats. Very rarely are people persuaded to dance so early at a party, but Xavi and the rest of the band provided an exhilarating, joyous performance not to be missed.

After the samba came the first of the DJs, Parisian Monsieur Zero, with his eclectic and funky mixes. The floor was packed with dancers as the set played out, before the second live act of the evening, cult East London band Planetman & the Internationalz. Again the party-goers were blown away! The dancefloor was choc-a-bloc as the fantastic performers of many instruments played their funky, reggae-style music alongside their charasmatic frontman.

Then came the dancing, with an amazing demo from a London-based Capoeira group, instruments and all! The twelve-strong troup played, sang and danced to an intrigued and impressed crowd, many of whom were up on the tables joining in! The dancers then rounded off their amazing moves as renowned DJ Cliffy (Batmacumba) began his set, to rapturous applause.

The evening continued with DJs Ross Clarke and Gringo da Parada promising the filled venue a fantastic round-up to the night, with dancing revellers keeping up the pace until the very last tune.

Along with the night's amazing entertainment, Rio Life featured a popular raffle draw and excellent silent auction, which remained exciting and intriguing until the last minute of bidding. Nearly all of the items sold, adding a significant and much-appreciated amount to our running total for the evening.

The WFC is pleased to inform you that we raised over £2,000 from the Rio Life fundraiser. This money went towards our workshop in Morro dos Prazeres favela in Rio which took place from 15th September - 3rd October '08.

We cannot give enough thanks to those who supported us, contributed to the entertainment and auction, and joined us for what was an amazing evening. We hope you will all continue to follow and support our work as WFC grows and grows.