As Brazil’s explosion on the Oscar and A-Fest scene turns its top actors into international stars, two of its biggest breakouts, “I’m Not Here” co-lead Selton Mello and “The Secret Agent” star María Fernanda Cândido, will be honored at Brazil’s Gramado Film Festival, bringing the aura of burgeoning international renown to one of the country’s oldest and biggest film events.
Taking place in a mountain resort famed for its Alpine-style architecture, snow, chocolate shops and fondue restaurants, the 54th edition of Brazil’s Gramado Film Festival will fittingly open with a world premiere that again contrasts with the country’s tropical image: “Antártida” (“Antarctic”), set at a South Pole base.
Produced by Brazilian media giant Globo, “Antártida” is helmed by Bruno Safadi, a director on breakout TV series “Aruanas.” It is penned by Claudia Jovin, one of Brazil’s hottest up-and-coming scribes after lead writing Globoplay 2025 smash hit “Perfect Days.”
Six Brazilian features will compete in Gramado for the main Kikito prize, five of them world premieres, also taking in “Chorão: Só os Loucos Sabem,” “Justino – Nos Bastidores do Reino,” “Leite em Pó,” “Nosso Segredo” and “Pele de Rinoceronte.” The sixth, “Gugu’s World” (“Feito Pipa”), won best film at Berlin’s Generation KPlus this year.
