Brazil's Economic Boom (01:13)

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In this film, Michael Palin will travel from Minas Gerais to Rio de Janeiro to learn how natural resource exploitation is propelling the nation's growth.

Minas Gerais Mineral Wealth (02:36)

Palin visits a former British owned gold mine originally worked by slaves. A shrine to St. Barbara offered protection to miners.

Ouro Preto Architecture (01:39)

Gold funded Brazil's Baroque era Minas Gerais city, now a protected landmark.

Serra do Cipo National Park (03:07)

In Minas Gerais, Palin meets a New Zealand conservationist fighting to preserve the natural landscape from mining.

Vale Mine (01:54)

Iron ore has replaced gold exports in Minas Gerais. Palin accompanies a truck driver on a run; global demand is falling and the 24 hour production may soon slow.

Brazilian Subsistence Agriculture (02:09)

Palin meets a farmer in Minas Gerais who has a mutant cow; he prefers rural tranquility to city life.

Belo Horizonte Coffee Academy (04:06)

Brazil's 6th largest city has a trade school dedicated to coffee—the second largest export after iron ore. Palin samples the owner's family beans and learns how to make espresso.

Rio de Janeiro Symbol (04:42)

Palin meets the Christ the Redeemer architect’s great granddaughter and visits the Art Deco statue on Corcovado Mountain.

Rio de Janeiro Social Divisions (03:06)

Over a million residents live in favelas. Artist Vik Muniz describes the challenge of addressing poverty and drug violence before the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

Rio de Janeiro Beaches (02:30)

Muniz explains how the municipal coastline serves to unify social divisions; different areas belong to different cultural interest groups.

Reclaiming Favelas (02:03)

Rio de Janeiro's pacification policy is spearheaded by paramilitary force BOPE. A female member describes their strategy of subduing gangs and meeting community needs.

Favela Community Empowerment (05:27)

A police band plays at a family center as part of a reclamation program. After pacifying gangs, Rio de Janeiro built a cable car system linking poor neighborhoods to the city and has been funding small businesses.

Addressing Favela Violence (04:38)

In an un-pacified neighborhood, Palin meets an Englishman running a boxing club to discourage youth from entering gangs. International sponsors have funded an educational program for teen mothers.

Rio de Janeiro Infrastructure (02:18)

Palin rides the metro rapidly expanding metro system. Mayor Eduardo Paes discusses social challenges as the city prepares for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.

Rio de Janeiro Attitude (01:59)

An American ex-pat describes how locals see the sunny side of life—even when it's raining.

Rio de Janeiro Love Motels (Mature) (04:10)

Palin investigates a business renting rooms for secret liaisons. A Brazilian talk show host explains etiquette and shows him sex toys available from "room service."

Rio de Janeiro Sexual Diversity (02:04)

The city is known for its tolerance towards sexual minorities. A government official supporting transvestite rights explains the "travesti" identity concept to Palin.

Rio de Janeiro Gay Pride Parade (02:49)

Palin attends an annual sexual liberation celebration that has grown from 30 to two million participants in just twenty years—demonstrating the city's tolerance.

Credits: The Road to Rio: Brazil with Michael Palin (00:35)

Credits: The Road to Rio: Brazil with Michael Palin