Oscar-nominated director Fernando Meirelles, known for his impactful work in 'City of God,' is now shedding light on the critical issue of child exploitation in the Amazon with his latest project, the Brazilian miniseries 'Pssica.' The four-part series immersing viewers in the stark realities of the Amazon region.
Meirelles expressed deep concern about the series' subject matter, stating, "Our survival is at stake." 'Pssica' directly confronts the pervasive problem of child sexual exploitation in the state of Pará, depicting characters caught in cycles of human trafficking and intricate revenge plots. The narrative unfolds against the vast and often perilous backdrop of the Amazon rivers, with key filming locations including Belém and Marajó in Pará, chosen to capture the immersive and dynamic environment of the region.
The series intricately weaves together the lives of three main characters: Janalice, a 15-year-old whose personal life is exposed, making her vulnerable to abuse and eventual entrapment in a trafficking network; Preá, a young man compelled to lead a gang of river pirates amidst internal conflicts and moral dilemmas; and Mariangel, a Colombian woman seeking retribution after her family was lost to the same criminal elements. This narrative is particularly relevant given Brazil's broader context of child sexual exploitation, where an estimated 500,000 children and adolescents are victims, a problem exacerbated by social and economic inequalities.
Meirelles emphasizes the crucial role of projects like 'Pssica' in raising awareness about these critical issues. The series aims to foster greater understanding of the challenges in combating child exploitation and the deeply ingrained machismo culture prevalent in the region, which research indicates often contributes to victim-blaming and perpetuates cycles of abuse. Brazil observes May 18th as the National Day to Combat Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Adolescents, a date dedicated to increasing the visibility of this pervasive problem. Between 2011 and 2017, the Ministry of Health reported over 141,000 cases, with a significant majority of victims being girls.
'Pssica' offers a powerful and unflinching portrayal of a difficult truth, reflecting the complex interplay of crime, exploitation, and institutional failures that trap individuals. The series has garnered an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, who have praised its intense storyline and impactful narrative, effectively immersing audiences in the Amazonian setting while addressing universal themes of survival and justice.