Master, a Building in Copacabana(2002)

A film about people like you and me

Master, a Building in Copacabana is a documentary portrait of 37 families crammed into a sprawling 12-story residential block in Rio de Janeiro's famous beachside neighborhood. The film captures the texture of everyday life within these walls—the small dramas, quiet ambitions, and unguarded moments that define existence in close quarters. Residents reveal their hopes and struggles, their connections and isolation, painting a vivid picture of community bound by proximity rather than choice. Through intimate observation, the film explores how people build lives and meaning in a shared space, where privacy is scarce but human resilience runs deep. Master offers a rare glimpse into the hidden world of Rio's working-class neighborhoods, where dreams persist despite cramped conditions and economic constraints.