The life of Vladimir Herzog

Architect Ruy Ohtake and Vlado were neighbors and classmates. In an interview with the Vladimir Herzog Collection, Ruy said that, since he was a boy, Herzog was already interested in political and social issues.

His great youth interests were theater, cinema, literature and music — especially theater, preferably Italian. Vlado adopted the stage names Aldo Erzi or Vlado Erzi when acting. 

Vlado worked for the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo (The State of São Paulo) between 1959 and 1965. His modesty as a journalist, averse to any notoriety, denotes his main concern in communicating the ethical importance of art and politics.

Although he is known as a journalist, his family and friends believe cinema was, if not his true vocation, at least his greatest interest and source of personal fulfillment. 

The interaction with prominent names of Brazilian cinema, the promoted debates and the opportunities for programs and internships had helped to consolidate Vlado’s theoretical and practical knowledge, shaping the filmmaker and film critic he had become.

From 1972 to 1975, Vlado worked for Visão Magazine and TV Cultura. In September 1975, he took the role of TV channel’s Journalism Director. On October 24, he was subpoenaed to testify at the DOI-CODI (The Department of Information Operations - Center for Internal Defense Operations was the Brazilian intelligence and political repression agency). On the morning of the 25th, he voluntarily presented himself. On the same day, he was tortured and assassinated.