internationally, the image of rio's favelas has been tainted by an often overly sensationalistic press, drawing excessive attention to the problems of favelas while ignoring positive aspects and cultural richness. the local press on the other hand,  is making a conscious effort to shift the focus and give coverage to the many positive developments in rio's communities.

for the benefit of the community it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the distinctive contributions favelas make to the city of rio including arts, culture, food and the cityscape as a whole- as such, the majority of rio's samba schools originated in favela communities and  many dancers and musicians participating in the luxurious carnival parades in the sambódromo, live in favelas. 

over the years, favelas have been the source of many artistic talents, musicians, poets, painters, sportsmen, and actors, and numerous creative trends. - there is universal agreement, that rio would simply not be the same without favelas.