Fernando de Andrade used to be homeless, living on the streets of the world’s eighth biggest city, São Paulo in Brazil. In 2018 Fernando took part in ‘Race to the Rock’, riding his bike over 3,000km across the Australian outback to raise awareness to support homeless youth. Produced by Presidential Productions and directed by James Cunningham, Fernando's Ride is a short documentary about Fernando, and his ride.

 

Fernando's journey from the streets of Brazil to his new life in Australia has been a long one, steeped in struggle and sacrifice. He used his creative talent to make jewellery from objects he found on the streets, his only income. The kindness of strangers who recognised his talent gave him hope. He found love, and followed his heart to a new country and a new life. 

 

This softly spoken young man who has established a thriving jewellery business in Australia, and lives the life that many only dream of, has never forgotten his humble beginnings. He has overcome so many challenges, none so great as surviving on the streets of São Paulo. In an effort to ensure that other young people living on the streets know that there is hope, that people care and are prepared to reach out with the hand of friendship, he took on one more challenge; a 3,000km bike ride through some of the harshest conditions in Australia to raise awareness of the plight of these young people in Brazil, Australia and around the world, and to raise money to help make their life a little easier.

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Presidential Productions joined Fernando in producing a documentary about his epic journey.

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“We are trying to help people around the world that have had the same experience as me, and people who are still living on the streets.”

- Fernando de Andrade