Screen Brasil Boosts Global Reach for Oscar Contender 'Gugu's World' and Award-Winning 'Our Secret'

Screen Brasil, a prominent initiative by Embratur and Projeto Paradiso aimed at expanding the global reach of Brazilian feature films, has announced its latest beneficiaries: Allan Deberton's 'Gugu’s World' and Grace Passô's 'Our Secret'. This announcement was made during an Industry Days panel at the São Paulo International Film Festival.

Both films, having premiered at the Berlinale earlier this year, have garnered significant recognition. 'Gugu’s World' is Brazil's official submission for the Best International Feature category at the 2027 Academy Awards, while 'Our Secret' earned the esteemed Kikito Award for Best Film at the Gramado Film Festival.

'Gugu’s World' will receive support for its release in Spain, with M-Appeal managing international sales. 'Our Secret,' the directorial debut of renowned Brazilian actor and playwright Grace Passô, will be backed for distribution in the U.S. and Canada, with The Open Reel overseeing international sales. Each film will be granted $15,000 to cover expenses such as subtitling, marketing, and promotional activities in these regions. Launched at last year's Rio Film Festival, Screen Brasil seeks to amplify the worldwide circulation of Brazilian cinema, highlighting the nation's diverse culture and creative industries to a global audience. The program represents a synergistic partnership between Embratur, Brazil’s tourism agency, and Projeto Paradiso, a philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering Brazilian audiovisual talent globally. This collaboration is integral to Embratur’s broader strategy of international promotion through tourism, culture, and the creative economy.

Christiano Braga, Embratur’s coordinator for audiovisual and creative economy, emphasized that promoting Brazilian cinema internationally transforms feature films into vital platforms for showcasing Brazil's cultural influence. He noted that these productions introduce global audiences to Brazil's rich biodiversity, culinary traditions, and cultural heritage, thereby attracting international travelers, inspiring specialized travel itineraries, and positioning the country as an inviting destination for film and television productions, which in turn boosts local economies through screen tourism. Rachel do Valle, program director at Projeto Paradiso, acknowledged that while international festival acclaim is a crucial initial step, ensuring Brazilian films reach wider audiences beyond the festival circuit remains a significant challenge. She affirmed that Screen Brasil aims to bridge this gap by supporting distributors and sales agents in bringing Brazilian narratives to new markets, ultimately establishing a more enduring international presence for Brazilian cinema. Following this successful selection, Screen Brasil plans to launch a second round of applications for its expanded sophomore edition in the first half of 2027, strategically aligning with international sales negotiations and festival markets to maximize impact.

This initiative exemplifies the power of art to transcend borders and foster understanding. By promoting Brazilian cinema on a global stage, Screen Brasil not only celebrates the country's rich artistic talent but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for its vibrant culture and heritage. It is a testament to the idea that cultural exchange through film can build bridges between nations, encourage tourism, and create economic opportunities, all while enriching the lives of audiences worldwide with diverse stories and perspectives. This endeavor highlights the positive impact that strategic investment in the arts can have on both national identity and international relations.