Screen Brasil, a collaboration between Brazilian Tourism Board Embratur and philanthropic initiative Projeto Paradiso, has announced its first film selections, promoting Brazilian cinema globally. The chosen films are Gabriel Mascaro's Silver Bear-winning “The Blue Trail,” Rafaela Camelo’s “The Nature of Invisible Things,” and Priscilla Kellen’s animated “Papaya.” The initiative will return for a second edition, expanding its selection to four films.
Launch at Rio Film Festival
Screen Brasil was introduced at the Rio Film Festival last year to enhance the distribution of Brazilian feature-length fiction films, aiming to bolster the international presence of Brazilian productions and foster global interest in the country's film industry. The inaugural film list was revealed during Matinée Brésil, part of the Marché du Film's official program, organized by Festival do Rio and other key Brazilian cultural institutions.
Future Plans and Changes
The second edition of Screen Brasil will feature two application rounds. The first will occur in the latter half of 2026, with the second in early 2027, aligning with festival schedules and sales agent negotiations. The distribution window requirement has been extended to 12 months to provide distributors with greater flexibility in setting release dates.
Promotion and Support
Screen Brasil underscores Embratur's commitment to promoting Brazilian culture internationally. Each selected film will receive $15,000 to support international distribution efforts, including subtitling and marketing. Roberto Gevaerd from Embratur emphasizes the initiative's significance: “Encouraging the international circulation of Brazilian audiovisual productions means promoting Brazil to the world. Each film that wins over audiences abroad carries with it our culture and our stories.”
Josephine Bourgois, executive director of Projeto Paradiso, highlights the initiative's impact: “This selection is an important step in expanding the presence of Brazilian cinema on the international circuit and strengthening the circulation of our stories in different territories.”
Selected Films and Markets
The selected films for this inaugural edition of Screen Brasil and their international sales details are as follows:
- “Papaya,” directed by Priscilla Kellen, sold by Belgian company Best Friend Forever to Portugal, Germany, and Mexico.
- “The Blue Trail,” directed by Gabriel Mascaro, sold by French company Lucky Number to Australia and Taiwan.
- “The Nature of Invisible Things,” directed by Rafaela Camelo, sold by Italian company The Open Reel to German-speaking countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/global/projeto-paradiso-embratur-screen-brasil-1236750281/
