Netflix is set to debut four of its most awaited films at Brazil’s prestigious São Paulo International Film Festival, also known as Mostra SP. The lineup includes Guillermo del Toro’s ambitious adaptation of “Frankenstein,” Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” Shih-Ching Tsou’s “Left-Handed Girl,” and Daniel Rezende’s “The Son of a Thousand Men,” featuring Rodrigo Santoro.
Elisabetta Zenatti, VP of content for Brazil, remarked, “This is our most robust participation since we began our collaboration with Mostra.”
Commenting on the festival where “Frankenstein” will have its Brazilian premiere, Del Toro noted, “The festival exudes a bold, eclectic energy, celebrating both prominent figures and new voices. It’s a platform that honors the full spectrum of cinema and resonates with the themes of ‘Frankenstein,’ which centers on reclaiming one’s identity and embracing one’s ‘otherness.’ I am excited to see how this film about fathers and sons connects with Brazilian audiences.”
Peter Mountain/Netflix
“Jay Kelly” and “Left-Handed Girl” will also make their debuts in Latin America during the festival. “Jay Kelly,” featuring George Clooney as a paralleled actor seeking to rediscover himself alongside his loyal manager Ron (played by Adam Sandler), had its world premiere at Venice.
Courtesy of Netflix
“Left-Handed Girl,” co-written by Sean Baker (“Anora”), earned the Gan Foundation Support for Distribution award at Cannes’ Critics’ Week, where it premiered. The film follows a single mother’s journey back to Taipei with her two daughters as they adapt to life at a busy night market, facing challenges posed by their strict grandfather’s desire to force the youngest to abandon using her left hand, unveiling deep family secrets along the way.
“The Son of a Thousand Men” (“O Filho de Mil Homens”) will premiere at the festival, featuring Santoro and Rezende (“Bingo: The King of Mornings”) as they engage in a panel discussion about Brazilian filmmaking alongside Higia Ikeda, Netflix Brazil’s head of films.
Marcos Serra Lima/ Netflix
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, this adaptation tells the story of Crisóstomo (Santoro), a reclusive fisherman yearning for a son. His life changes dramatically when he adopts Camilo (Miguel Martines), a young orphan. Their journey intertwines with Isaura (Rebeca Jamir), escaping her past, and Antonino (Johnny Massaro), a socially isolated figure. Together, they navigate the essence of family and connection.
“Brazilian cinema is in a constant state of renewal. Rich with vitality, a new generation of filmmakers is emerging, now engaging with the world in fresh ways while retaining their unique cultural roots, gaining international recognition,” said Del Toro, asserting, “Brazil is reclaiming its role as a key player in the global cinematic dialogue: Brazilian cinema is diverse, political, poetic, and profoundly human.”
As part of its commitment to supporting Brazil’s film industry, Netflix is presenting the Netflix Award for the third consecutive year, which recognizes an independent Brazilian film. “Promoting Brazilian cinema opens doors for our talent while sharing our narratives with the world, strengthening our national audiovisual ecosystem,” stated Zenatti.
This initiative aims to elevate Brazilian cinema globally, showcasing the country’s most original voices in fiction. Annually, a jury of Netflix executives and special guests selects one Brazilian film from the festival that is yet to secure a distribution deal.
Netflix then acquires the distribution rights, ensuring the winning film reaches over 190 countries, thus enhancing support for the creative community and amplifying the global visibility of Brazilian storytelling.
Past recipients include “Bittersweet Rain” by Haroldo Borges in 2023 and “Serra das Almas” by Lírio Ferreira in 2024.
Netflix first joined Mostra in 2018 with Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma.” This year marks its third official partnership. In 2023, it awarded “Bittersweet Rain” the Netflix award and premiered Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” in Brazil.
During the 2024 Mostra, Netflix showcased three original productions: the U.S. film “Piano Lesson,” Mexico’s “Pedro Páramo,” and the Brazilian limited series “Children of the Church Steps.”
“Brazilian independent cinema has always relied on word of mouth for its reach. Having ‘Saudade Fez Morada Aqui Dentro’ available on Netflix amplifies that impact,” shared Borges, director of “Bittersweet Rain.”
As a filmmaker from Brazil’s Northeast—an area often overlooked in cinema—seeing our accent, landscapes, and lifestyle represented on global screens is inspiring. It drives the desire to produce more films and claim our space,” he continued.
“Since its premiere on Netflix, our film’s international reception has led to remarkable moments. A clip from the movie trended on social media, racking up millions of views. [Actress] Wilma Macedo received numerous affection-filled messages from fans in Turkey. The French actor who dubbed Ronny [Ronnaldy Gomes] took to social media after the film’s success in France to introduce himself, leading to a friendship with Ronny. We have received thousands of heartfelt messages. It is a genuine pleasure to feel represented and acknowledged. The film showcases a diverse sertão, featuring our musical styles such as piseiro, paredão, and forró—it encapsulates the true spirit of Bahia’s sertão.”
John Hopewell contributed to this article.
