Escaping Brazil's Deadliest Gangs

In the middle of the most violent regional capital in Brazil, a brutal gang war is being fought over control of the drug supply routes of the Northwestern Amazon region. Poverty and coercion force many young men into a life of crime where the only ways to escape are incarceration or death. But amidst the carnage, there is a glimmer of hope - the “91” is a group of former gang lords turned pastors, who offer salvation to gang members who want to leave the criminal life. Their standing in the gang community, forged out of years of service and hard-fought respect, mean that only they can vouch for criminals looking to trade crime for the path of God. By recording videos of these gangsters in repentance - that follow a tight script and are then shared with the higher ranks of the gangs for approval - they are saving hundreds of lives that Brazilian institutions overlook. This is the story of the “91”. Directing and DOP: Mauricio Monteiro Filho and Avener Prado Soundtrack: Gustavo Monteiro Editing: Mauricio Monteiro Filho and Diego Arvate Producers: Charlie Rosser and Matt Shea Check out the VICE World News playlist for global reporting you won't find elsewhere: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw613M86o5o4S3BXgi3bCiIVuopQxIMgV Watch more like this: The Rise of Brazil’s Biggest Prison Gang https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI5QLqYcZ0E The World's Most Dangerous Drug Wars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2YfG7NKvoU Help keep VICE News’ fearless reporting free for millions by making a one time or ongoing contribution here. - https://bit.ly/3oRyDu8 Subscribe to VICE News here: http://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-News Check out VICE News for more: https://bit.ly/2HR9kGq Follow VICE News here: Facebook: https://bit.ly/36oafb0 Twitter: https://twitter.com/vicenews Tumblr: https://bit.ly/33xksQy Instagram: https://bit.ly/2VvVaxT More videos from the VICE network: https://bit.ly/3fWNVrZ #VICENews #News