Coming from a Film and New Medias background, I seek to utilize this knowledge towards projects with a social and humanitarian content. Among stories, characters and interviews, I continue to discover the true value of new technologies. Through the volunteer and indepedent project “People of Change” [www.fernandosapelli.com], I document the work of several international non-profit organizations, providing them a global voice.
Latest posts by Fernando Sapelli
With Corruption All Too Common, Brazil Pushes Back
More and more cases of corruption are reported all the time in Brazil. However, after the histicoral judgement of those involved in one the largest scandals of corruption in the country, the situation may be changing.
Brazil: Will the Pioneering Internet Bill of Rights Pass?
The Marco Civil, a “bill of rights” for Internet users proposed in Brazil, will come to a vote on August 8. While the majority of the community seems to support the approval of the law, some are against the broad freedom that the initiative will bring about. Whatever the result, Brazil once again has the opportunity to pioneer in the arena of digital policymaking.
Brazil: Online Impressions of Brazilian Identity
Since the declaration of Brazil as an independent nation in 1822, Brazilian identity has gone through several changes spurred by economic, social and cultural transformations. But is there a common Brazilian identity for every citizen? Fernando Sapelli reports some online impressions of what it means to be Brazilian.
Brazil Approves Racial Quotas in Higher Education
The Supreme Court of Brazil has unanimously approved the adoption of racial quota policies in higher education institutions across the country. The approval of the policy brings up again the controversial debate on racial discrimination and racial inequality in the country.
Brazil: Human Rights Violation in Several Prisons
General conditions in all Brazilian prisons remain the focus of much debate. In a country where 1 in every 262 adults is in prison, solutions to assure a reduction of these rates are just as essential as the construction of new prisons. Fernando Sapelli reports.
Brazil: Pay TV Giant Campaigns Against New Act
Act 12.485/1, approved by Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff on September 2011, establishing new rules for pay television, has already created controversy among satellite television providers, subscribers and independent producers. Satellite TV provider, SKY, created a campaign to end the act, and several people in the industry have not been pleased with it.
Brazil: Is the Weather Wacky?
Talking about the weather may be mere elevator chit-chat but, come rain or shine, there is no honest conversation that does not make some reference to the weather. Obviously the online community could not remain silent on the issue. Especially not in the face of Brazil's readying for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20.
Brazil: Toll Roads, Constitutional or Too Much?
After the approval of the Urban Mobility Law in the beginning of 2012, a discussion surrounding toll roads in all national territory came back into play. According to the law, cities will be able to charge an “urban toll” with the intention of diminishing automobile traffic and improve circulation around the cities. However, the implementation of yet another toll makes internal mobility impracticable for a portion of the population, given that several important federal and state highways have already been privatized.
Brazil: Niobium, National Mineral Wealth at Knock Off Prices?
Niobium, also known as columbium, is among the most utilized metals in the world, and Brazil has the great majority of global deposits. However, exploitation of niobium within Brazil raises questions about the profits being generated.
Brazil: The Real Value of Half Price Tickets
Even though there is a federal law in Brazil for half price tickets to cultural shows - as the greatest portion of the public can only afford half of the total value - the events charge even higher amounts. Fernando Sapelli explains why.
Brazil: Floods Hit Santa Catarina State Again
Intense rains over the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil’s South Region have once again caused floods in several cities. Since September 8, floods, flash floods and landslides have hit 96 cities in the region and, according to mainstream news, nearly 1 million people have been affected.
Brazil: Does Crime Pay? The Truth About Reclusion Benefits
The Brazilian government’s initiative to offer a benefit to prisoners’ family members and dependents has sparked the debate in online citizen media because of a propaganda email chain against the initiative, which still today circulates on the web. Some bloggers have decided to seek the truth behind the affirmations.
