Faces of VLACC: Felipe Fittipaldi

Meet Felipe Fittipaldi, a renowned Brazilian photographer currently based between Rio de Janeiro and Vancouver Island. Looking back on his immigration journey, Felipe says that being involved with VLACC was a life-changing experience. He reflects on the challenges of starting a new life in a different country, particularly the emotional and professional obstacles one faces in the first few years: “Immigration is never easy; you have to rebuild your life from scratch. Finding friendship, trust, community, work opportunities, and support can feel overwhelming. ”Luckily, taking part in our organization helped Felipe transition into life in Canada: “In the early stages of my immigration process, VLACC gave me the confidence I needed. Today, it feels like family to me.”  

In his own work, Felipe portrays individuals who, like him, have either chosen to migrate or have been forcibly displaced. In Senegal-Rio, he documents a series of portraits of Senegalese men who have recently emigrated to Brazil and work at Copacabana beach selling products. In another project commissioned by the UNHCR, Felipe captures the faces of refugees of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. His images reflect stories of human movement and cultural encounters that resonate with many of us. 

VLACC, according to Felipe, plays a vital role in supporting the integration of Latin American individuals into Canadian society and promoting cultural diversity across BC. Part of the process of adapting to a new society is finding ways of keeping one’s culture alive. “For me, this is reflected in everyday life—in the way I interact with others, the way I dance, laugh, play, and share stories and values from the homeland,” explains Felipe about maintaining a sense of rootedness.  

Nature also teaches us how to adapt, nurture, and grow roots. Many of Felipe’s projects explore the relationship between communities and the natural environment surrounding them. Through his photographs, he highlights the importance of protecting old-grown forests both locally in BC and in Brazil. After all, despite human-made borders, we are all connected.   

Check out Felipe’s inspiring work @felipe.fittipaldi!

Text edited by Mirella Livoti