We are delighted to present O Zelador, a feature-length documentary exploring the life and work of Mestre Russo de Caxias. Born and raised in Baixada Fluminense, a historically neglected area about an hour’s bus ride from Rio de Janeiro, Mestre Russo has navigated a life marked by hardship and resilience. Surrounded by dirt tracks, roaming animals, open sewers, and makeshift homes, he discovered at an early age the transformative power of Capoeira—the music, philosophy, and self-defence of this Afro-Brazilian tradition became both his anchor and his guide.

The film intimately follows Mestre Russo, his wife, sons, and his devoted students, all of whom describe him as a father-figure and a source of inspiration. In turn, they form the extended family that he sought, sustaining a community bonded by trust, care, and the practice of Capoeira. Each Sunday in Caxias, Russo leads a Roda—a Capoeira circle in the street—which has endured for 35 years, surviving political oppression and carrying the rhythms, movements, and stories of a rich cultural legacy.

Through interviews with Mestre Russo, his family, students, fellow Masters, academics, journalists, and a Candomblé priest, alongside archival footage and photographs, the documentary situates Capoeira in its social, political, and cultural contexts. O Zelador offers a deeply human perspective on a man whose life embodies the endurance, creativity, and communal spirit of this Afro-Brazilian art form.

We are planning to screen the film in Glasgow on the 10th of April, venue TBC. Details regarding ticket prices and availability are still to be confirmed — please check back here for updates. Following the screening, audiences will have the rare opportunity to engage directly with Mestre Russo himself in a conversation about his life, his work, and the enduring legacy of Capoeira.