The 2002 feature film portrays the growth of organized crime in the “Cidade de Deus” favela.
City of God, directed by Fernando Meirelles, marked a turning point for Brazilian cinema in the early 21st century. Released in 2002, the film depicts the rise of organized crime in Cidade de Deus, a Rio de Janeiro favela that began developing in the 1960s and became one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods by the early 1980s.
Through the eyes of Buscapé, a young boy growing up amid violence, the film interweaves multiple characters and events, portraying both the chaos and humanity of life in the favela.But what really happened behind the scenes? One character from the story became internationally known: former drug trafficker Aílton “Batata”, now 69 years old. He reflects on the persistent violence in the favela and shares his own story, decades after the wars depicted in the film.
Childhood Memories in Rio’s Favelas
“I grew up in Morro do Urubu, in Pilares. We lived on high ground without water; I had to carry buckets up and down. My life was about fetching water, going to school, and flying kites. I arrived in Cidade de Deus in 1967, at age nine. Crime was mild and hidden; even marijuana use was discreet, and no one carried guns openly.” — Aílton Batata. Batata’s early life was shaped by the harsh realities of Rio’s favelas in the 1960s, yet he recalls moments of childhood freedom among the farms and forests of Cidade de Deus.
First Steps into Crime
At 16, Batata entered the world of crime. “I was invited to participate in a robbery. People were obsessed with stealing cigarette trucks. I went mostly for fun since I was already working as a laborer at a factory in Penha. Ironically, I was later robbed, and the thief bit my finger, injuring a nerve. I had to leave my job. I kept making mistakes and ended up in Padre Severino youth correctional facility three or four times.”
The Rise of Drug Trafficking
Drug dealing in Cidade de Deus started small, open to anyone who wanted to sell. By the early 1970s, trafficking became controlled by a few key players, which sparked violent disputes. “I managed one corner, while others controlled different areas. For a while, things were calm.”
Book based on the story of Ailton Batata, actor in the renowned Brazilian film City of God
The Beginning of the Favela War
The turning point came with the arrival of Zé Pequeno: “He began killing anyone in his way, including friends. I was 18 or 19, working as a university janitor, but I left to protect my territory.” Batata recounts his survival during a violent era:
“I realized Zé Pequeno only killed friends. I knew I’d be next. When his gang entered my area, I carried two revolvers under my arm. If he attacked me, I’d fight back. We exchanged gunfire; I was shot in the neck, head, arm, and chest. Ultimately, neither of us prevailed.”
Life Behind Bars
“I lost 15 years of my life in prison. I avoided involvement in internal crimes and conflicts between factions like Falange Vermelha and Falange Jacaré. With my family’s support, I stayed isolated. Later, I accepted a municipal job during semi-open regime and began rebuilding my life.”
On the Film City of God
Batata was critical of the film’s portrayal of real events: “The movie is mostly fictional. People existed, but events didn’t happen as shown. For example, there weren’t gangs of children in drug trafficking here. And traffickers didn’t wear shorts and flip-flops; they dressed well and carried gold.”
“I saw the trailer in prison and thought, ‘Who is this Cenoura? I was the one fighting Zé Pequeno!’ I later learned my name was changed because I was the only survivor. I even sued the filmmakers, but legal maneuvers and missing witnesses caused me to lose the case.”
Life Today
“Drug traffickers live in fear, with no freedom. Now, I walk freely, work for 15 years, and go home without fear.” After the book’s release and interview, Batata largely stayed out of the media. As of 2024, he is 69 years old and living a life away from crime.
Former drug trafficker Ailton Batata with his book. Photo: Fábio Guimarães
FAQ: Aílton Batata and City of God
Who was Aílton Batata?
Aílton Batata was a former drug trafficker in Cidade de Deus who survived violent gang wars in the 1970s and 1980s and later shared his story in a book.
How does City of God differ from reality?
While the film was inspired by true events, many details were dramatized. The book and Batata’s testimony reveal a more complex and nuanced reality.
What was life like in Cidade de Deus during the 1970s–80s?
The favela was marked by poverty, limited infrastructure, and small-scale crime that later escalated into organized drug trafficking and gang wars.
How has Aílton Batata’s life changed since leaving crime behind?
After serving 15 years in prison, Batata rebuilt his life, working in municipal services and living freely without fear of violence.
