Philanthropist Olga Rabinovich to Receive São Paulo Film Festival's Inaugural Encounters Award
Stephen King
Celebrating a Visionary: Empowering Brazilian Cinema on the Global Stage
Recognizing Philanthropic Impact in the Audiovisual Sector
Olga Rabinovich, a leading philanthropist, will be honored with the first-ever Pr￪mio Encontros (Encounters Award) at the S￣o Paulo International Film Festival's Encontro de Ideias Audiovisuais. This award acknowledges her unwavering dedication to advancing Brazilian cinema and elevating its global presence through her work with Projeto Paradiso.
The Genesis of the Encounters Award
The Encounters Award was established to highlight the crucial role of private investment in cultural development, connecting private benefactors with creative professionals in audiovisual production. Rabinovich will receive this esteemed recognition at the opening gala ceremony on October 14, followed by an insightful discussion with Neon president Jeff Deutchman.
From Compassion to Cinematic Vision
A native of S￣o Paulo, Rabinovich's journey began with years of volunteer work in hospitals, supporting terminally ill patients. In 2018, she founded the Olga Rabinovich Institute, which soon led to the creation of Projeto Paradiso. This initiative, born from her conviction that 'stories can change the world,' focuses on investing in individuals who create and share compelling narratives with a global audience.
A Beacon of Hope for Brazilian Film
Renata de Almeida, director of the S￣o Paulo International Film Festival, praised Rabinovich as the inspiration behind the award. She recalled learning about Rabinovich's desire to establish an institute dedicated to cinema in early 2018, a time when the future of Brazilian film and culture appeared uncertain. The Olga Rabinovich Institute's announcement during the 42nd Mostra brought a renewed sense of optimism.
Eight Years of Transformative Influence
Eight years later, Projeto Paradiso has significantly contributed to discovering and nurturing new talent, thereby strengthening Brazil's entire audiovisual sector. Almeida highlighted the project's exceptional professional team and its demonstrable results, emphasizing that many significant endeavors often begin with a simple encounter.
The Magical Art Form of Cinema
Earlier this year, Rabinovich shared her passion for cinema with Variety, describing it as a 'magical art form.' She articulated the transformative power of the communal artistic experience found in a screening room, where audiences can be elated, disturbed, or deeply moved.
Comprehensive Support for Screen Professionals
Projeto Paradiso offers extensive support to Brazilian screen professionals, enhancing their international presence through fellowships, residencies, workshops, and other training and global outreach programs. The Paradiso Talent Network currently includes 278 Brazilian professionals.
Forging Global Connections
The organization actively connects Brazilian talent and projects with the international industry, leveraging a network of over 250 partner institutions both in Brazil and abroad. These partnerships include prominent entities like the Hubert Bals Fund, La Fabrique Cin￩ma de l'Institut franais, TorinoFilmLab, Film Independent, and the Sundance Institute.
Championing Acclaimed Festival Works
Projeto Paradiso has been instrumental in the success of notable festival entries such as Allan Deberton's Berlinale-winning 'Gugu's World' and Grace Pass's 'Our Secret.' Its talent network boasts 264 professionals, including renowned figures like Anita Rocha da Silveira ('Medusa'), Juliana Rojas ('Good Manners'), and Dira Paes ('Manas').
Innovating International Distribution: Screen Brasil
In 2025, Projeto Paradiso collaborated with the Embratur Brazilian Tourism Board to launch Screen Brasil. This initiative supports the international distribution campaigns of four Brazilian films annually through two calls for submissions from international sales agents. Films backed to date include Gabriel Mascaro's 'The Blue Trail,' Rafaela Camelo's 'The Nature of Invisible Things,' and the animated feature 'Papaya,' announced at Cannes March￩ du Film.
A Long-Standing Partnership with S￣o Paulo International Film Festival
Projeto Paradiso's ties with the S￣o Paulo International Film Festival date back to 2018, when the philanthropic initiative was unveiled during the festival's 42nd edition. Since then, its presence at the festival has steadily expanded.
New Awards and Collaborations
Since 2023, Projeto Paradiso has presented the annual Paradiso Distribution Support Award, offering grants for the theatrical release of fiction features. In 2024, it also spearheaded a new partnership with the Hubert Bals Fund (HBF), leading to the creation of HBF+Brazil, following initial discussions at Encontro de Ideias. The 50th edition of the S￣o Paulo International Film Festival is scheduled from October 15-29.