a cinematic gem depicting life in the favelas of rio de janeiro is the 1959 flick black orpheus (orfeu negro).

aside from the interesting plot the film is often praised for its unique score, written by brazilian composers luiz bonfá and antônio carlos jobim - as a result of the film's success bonfá's 'manhã de carnaval' and 'samba of orpheus' have become renowned bossa nova songs, as well as jobim's 'a felicidade'.  

scenes within the morro da babilôniafavela, in leme, are of particular note for showing how the poor lived in rio de janeiro for one of the first times on film.