A native of Langen, Germany, Frank has lived in Berlin, Mexico City, and Rio de Janeiro where he has studied, researched, and taught philosophy and political science. Currently he is a postdoctoral fellow in the department of geography at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Among his political and academic interests are housing struggles, the “Right to the City” movements, politics of memory in postcolonial urban spaces, and (involuntary) resettlements.

Luiza is a journalist who has worked extensively with alternative media. She is also part of a photography collective that works with Rio's waterfront renewal and studies its impact on the African culture of the area. This project's goal is to produce another view of this particular urban space using alternative photography techniques.

Beth is Brazilian and a true 'Carioca da Gema,' or one who was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro. Although she has lived in other places both in Brazil and abroad, Rio has always been her hometown. One of her favourite hobbies is walking around the city, noticing its physical changes and the new ways of life with them. She holds a degree in Brazilian history, and writes fiction. She has published a short-stories e-book entitled Sexta-feira, and is about to finish writing a novel. She has developed a love of different cultures, histories, and ways of life. Beth enjoys showing travelers Rio's living style and history, as well as its beautiful and unique natural landscapes.