In an exciting development for Brazilian cinema, Screen Brasil, an initiative from Embratur and Projeto Paradiso, has selected two prominent films for support in international distribution: “Gugu’s World” directed by Allan Deberton and Grace Passô’s “Our Secret.” This announcement came during a panel discussion at the Industry Days of the São Paulo International Film Festival, highlighting the initiative’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the global reach of Brazilian films.
Standout Films Gaining International Focus
Both selected films premiered at the Berlinale earlier this year, achieving significant success on the festival circuit. “Gugu’s World” has been designated as Brazil’s entry for Best International Feature at the 2027 Academy Awards. Meanwhile, “Our Secret” has garnered acclaim, winning the prestigious Kikito Award for Best Film at the Gramado Film Festival.
Targeted Support for Global Distribution
As part of the initiative, “Gugu’s World” will receive tailored support for its release in Spain, with international sales managed by Germany-based M-Appeal. In contrast, “Our Secret,” marking Grace Passô’s feature directorial debut, will obtain assistance for distribution in the U.S. and Canada, with Italy’s The Open Reel handling its international sales.
Each film is set to benefit from a grant of $15,000 to aid their international rollout, which will cover crucial expenses such as subtitling, marketing, publicity, and other initiatives aimed at building audiences in the selected regions.
Promoting Brazilian Culture on a Global Stage
Screen Brasil, first introduced at the Rio Film Festival last year, seeks to bolster the global circulation of Brazilian cinema and showcase the country’s rich cultural diversity. This partnership between Embratur, Brazil’s tourism agency, and Projeto Paradiso, a philanthropic organization committed to advancing Brazilian audiovisual talent, is part of a broader strategy designed to enhance Brazil’s international presence in tourism and culture.
Earlier this year, Screen Brasil recognized its inaugural recipients, including films such as “Papaya” by Priscilla Kellen, “The Blue Trail” by Gabriel Mascaro, and “The Nature of Invisible Things” by Rafaela Camelo, each supported by a range of international sales agents.
Building Sustainable International Presence
Christiano Braga, Embratur’s audiovisual and creative economy coordinator, emphasized the importance of international distribution, stating, “Supporting the international distribution of Brazilian cinema turns feature films into key showcases for promoting Brazil’s soft power.” Braga underscored how these films can introduce global audiences to Brazil’s diverse biomes and rich cultural heritage, ultimately boosting the local economy through screen tourism.
Rachel do Valle, program director at Projeto Paradiso, pointed out that while festival recognition is vital, ensuring that Brazilian films reach audiences beyond festival circuits remains a challenge. She stated, “Through Screen Brasil, we want to help bridge that gap, supporting distributors and sales agents in bringing Brazilian stories to new markets and building a more sustainable international presence for our cinema.”
Looking Ahead
Following this recent selection, Screen Brasil is set to open a second round of applications for its expanded sophomore edition in the first half of 2027. This strategic timing will better align the program with international sales negotiations and festival markets. Complete guidelines and application details for the upcoming round can be found on the initiative’s official website.
Ultimately, Screen Brasil stands as a pivotal initiative in strengthening Brazil’s position in the global film landscape while celebrating the nation’s artistic vibrancy and diverse cultural offerings.
