Cidade de Deus inaugurates mural honoring actor Leandro Firmino

A new mural honoring actor Leandro Firmino is being inaugurated in the Karatê locality of Cidade de Deus, Rio de Janeiro. The artwork, created by art director Jorge Gomes and executed by graffiti artist Alexandre Kdoum, celebrates Firmino, who gained international fame for his role as ‘Zé Pequeno’ in the film ‘City of God’.

The mural depicts Firmino in two stages: as his iconic character and in his current form, incorporating elements from the 2002 film. The project is an initiative by the NGO Nóiz, led by André Melo, in partnership with communicator Carla Siccos of CDD Acontece, with support from Iguá Saneamento and Instituto SYN.

Organizers intend for the site to serve as a landmark for cultural tourism, memory, and community pride. By highlighting a globally recognized artist born in the community, the project aims to shift the narrative of Cidade de Deus from a place associated solely with violence to one defined by its artistic and cultural contributions.