Embratur and Projeto Paradiso have proudly revealed the initial selections for their Screen Brasil initiative, a program designed to elevate Brazilian cinema on the global stage. This announcement spotlights three distinct films: the critically acclaimed “The Blue Trail,” the compelling coming-of-age story “The Nature of Invisible Things,” and the vibrant animated feature “Papaya.” In a strategic move to further bolster the country's cinematic reach, the organizations have also confirmed an expanded second edition of Screen Brasil, signaling a robust commitment to showcasing Brazil's rich storytelling heritage to international audiences.

Brazil's Cinematic Ambitions Soar with Screen Brasil's Expanded Vision

On May 18, 2026, a significant stride for Brazilian cinema was announced as Projeto Paradiso and Embratur, the Brazilian Tourism Board, unveiled the first three feature films chosen for their pioneering Screen Brasil initiative. This program, which launched during the Rio Film Festival late last year, is meticulously designed to amplify the international distribution of fiction films originating from Brazil. The ultimate goal is to enhance Brazil's global image and stimulate international interest in its vibrant film industry.

Among the distinguished selections are Gabriel Mascaro’s Silver Bear-winning “The Blue Trail,” Rafaela Camelo’s poignant “The Nature of Invisible Things,” and Priscilla Kellen’s imaginative animated work, “Papaya.” These films were highlighted during Matinée Brésil, a special event within the Marché du Film’s official program. The event, a collaborative effort by Festival do Rio, Globo, RioFilme, Spcine, Embratur, and the Brazilian Ministry of Culture, served as a platform to discuss new internationalization policies, potential cash rebate opportunities, and the wealth of original Brazilian content available.

Looking ahead, the second edition of Screen Brasil is set to grow, accommodating four feature films. This expansion will be structured across two application periods: the first in the latter half of 2026 and the second in the early months of 2027. This deliberate partitioning aims to align with various negotiation stages with international sales agents throughout the year. Furthermore, the program has extended its required release window from six to twelve months, providing distributors with enhanced flexibility for their release schedules.

Each selected film will benefit from a $15,000 grant, specifically allocated for international distribution endeavors. This financial support covers essential aspects such as subtitling, marketing campaigns, public relations, and other strategic initiatives designed to promote the films globally. Roberto Gevaerd, director of management and innovation at Embratur, underscored the initiative's profound impact, stating that fostering the international circulation of Brazilian audiovisual productions is tantamount to promoting Brazil itself. He emphasized that every film captivating foreign audiences carries with it the essence of Brazilian culture and narratives, reinforcing the nation's soft power and inspiring international engagement with Brazil's tourism and creative economy.

Echoing this sentiment, Josephine Bourgois, executive director of Projeto Paradiso, highlighted that this selection marks a crucial step in cementing Brazilian cinema's presence on the international circuit and ensuring Brazilian stories resonate across diverse territories. She lauded the chosen films for their considerable artistic merit and universal resonance, which are now poised to captivate new audiences and access strategic markets worldwide. Bourgois affirmed that supporting the international journeys of these films is also instrumental in solidifying the global recognition of Brazilian audiovisual production as a potent creative force.

The specific international sales partners for the selected films are: “Papaya” is being distributed by the Belgian company Best Friend Forever in Portugal, Germany, and Mexico. “The Blue Trail” is handled by the French company Lucky Number for Australia and Taiwan. “The Nature of Invisible Things” has secured distribution through the Italian company The Open Reel for German-speaking regions, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

This ambitious initiative not only provides a vital platform for emerging and established Brazilian filmmakers but also strategically positions Brazil's rich cultural tapestry at the forefront of the global cinematic landscape. By investing in distribution and expanding program flexibility, Screen Brasil is paving the way for Brazilian narratives to achieve unprecedented international visibility and cultural exchange.