Brazil’s cinema industry seizes its moment in the limelight
For the second consecutive year, a Brazilian film is captivating international audiences and garnering significant Oscar attention, signaling a resurgence of interest in the Latin American nation’s film industry. This year, it’s Kleber Mendonca Filho’s “The Secret Agent” that has achieved four Oscar nominations, following the historic win of “I’m Still Here” which secured Brazil its first Academy Award in 2025.
A Moment Built on Talent and Policy
Experts suggest this success isn’t accidental. Ilda Santiago, director of the Rio International Film Festival and an Oscar voter, stated, “This is neither a coincidence nor a miracle. It is the result of a lot of work, consistent policies, and, of course, talent.” Both “The Secret Agent” and “I’m Still Here” explore themes set against the backdrop of Brazil’s 1964-1985 military dictatorship.
Resonance and Political Context
Santiago explained the films’ international appeal, noting they “show how our daily lives can be transformed by governments, and that is a mirror of today’s world.” This resonance is particularly poignant given the current political climate in Brazil, where former president Jair Bolsonaro – a supporter of the dictatorship – is serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup.
Past Successes and Recent Challenges
Brazil has a history of internationally acclaimed films, including “Central Station” (1998), “City of God” (2002), and “Elite Squad” (2007). Director Kleber Mendonca Filho also previously directed the art house films “Aquarius” (2016) and “Bacurau” (2019). However, during Bolsonaro’s presidency, the Brazilian Audiovisual Sector Fund budget was nearly halved, film project grants were frozen, and the national film agency faced threats of closure.
A Renewed Focus on Brazilian Cinema
With the election of Lula in 2022, funding for the film industry was revitalized. In 2023, the sector received 1.4 billion reais (US$269 million), an increase of 180 percent compared to 2021. Mendonca Filho stated, “Brazilian cinema was plugged back in with Lula’s election in 2022, after four years in which culture, in practical terms, was extinguished.”
Despite this renewed investment, Ilda Santiago cautions that rebuilding the industry will take time, stating, “putting each of those bricks that were dismantled back in place is a task that takes years.” Isabela Boscov, an influential film critic, believes Brazil is “breaking out of the bubble,” following similar trajectories seen in Iranian, Mexican, and South Korean cinema.
Awards and Recognition
“I’m Still Here” garnered international awards in 2024, including a Golden Globe for Fernanda Torres. “The Secret Agent” has also received significant accolades, winning Best Director and Best Actor (Wagner Moura) at the Cannes Film Festival, and two Golden Globes for Best Non-English Film and Best Male Actor. Isabela Boscov noted the importance of these wins, stating, “It’s an accumulation of small and big victories, like Cannes, which form the foundation on which a campaign is built.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What films have brought recent international attention to Brazilian cinema?
“I’m Still Here” won Brazil its first Oscar in 2025, and “The Secret Agent” has received four Oscar nominations in 2026.
How did the Bolsonaro administration impact the Brazilian film industry?
The Bolsonaro administration cut the budget of the Brazilian Audiovisual Sector Fund by almost half, froze film project grants, and threatened to shut down the national film agency.
What changes have occurred under the Lula administration?
The Lula administration reactivated the funding application process and increased investment in the film industry by 180 percent, to 1.4 billion reais (US$269 million) in 2023.
As Brazilian cinema continues to gain international recognition, will this momentum translate into sustained growth and support for the industry at home?