"The clown is a powerful figure — it lets me connect with users," said Flavio Falcone. "It's the archetype of the failure. People laugh at the clown because he stumbles, not because he stands tall. That's how I connect with people in Cracolandia."

In the area's main drug hot spot, known as the Fluxo, Falcone organizes singing contests to show users they have talent, worth and hope.

Renato has gained the courage to try getting clean and has applied to a renowned samba school. After so many years trapped by addiction, it takes all his strength to take that step.

A report by Arthur Rayssiguier and Maxime Priou.