Founded in 2021, the Brazilian Filmmakers Collective (BRFC) connects and supports Brazilian filmmakers working internationally. Starting as informal online meetings, the BRFC has grown into a structured network of 17 professionals, primarily based in North America, with plans to expand globally.

BRFC provides creative feedback, career guidance, and access to industry networks through monthly virtual meetings and collaborations. Since its 2022 launch at the European Film Market, BRFC has partnered with UCLA’s Hammer Museum, Argo, and NewFilmmakers LA, fostering mentorships with established filmmakers.

Collective members have premiered work at prestigious festivals like Sundance, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, and SXSW. Their films have been acquired by platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO. Highlights include 7 Prisoners by Alexandre Moratto, The Pink Cloud by Iuli Gerbase, My Mother is a Cow by Moara Passoni (with cinematography by Carolina Costa, produced by Sofia Geld and executive produced by Alex Moratto), Skin of Glass by Denise Zmekhol, Satisfaction by Rafael Thomaseto and Helena Sardinha, Ousmane by Jorge Camarotti, and For Our Children by Débora Souza Silva.

Blue Heron, a Canadian-Hungarian co-production directed by Sophy Romvari, will premiere at the 78th Locarno Film Festival.

BRFC addresses challenges faced by Brazilian filmmakers abroad, from cultural misrecognition to funding barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices such as Afro-Brazilian, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, and working-class narratives. It values the emotional depth and poetic realism central to Brazilian cinema, promoting stories that are both culturally specific and universally resonant.

Looking ahead, BRFC aims to evolve into a formal platform for training, funding guidance, and international partnerships, while staying rooted in community and artistic freedom. Membership is by invitation, preserving trust and cohesion, but the group welcomes connections with emerging talent.

The Brazilian Filmmakers Collective isn’t just part of the global film industry—it’s actively shaping its direction.

Meer interviewed BRFC, with answers from Débora Souza Silva, Moara Passoni, and Iuli Gerbase, along with contributions from other collective members.

Can you tell us about the origins of the Brazilian Filmmakers Collective? How did it come together?

Our collective was born in early 2021, when a small group of Brazilian filmmakers began meeting informally to share experiences, frustrations, and resources within the film industry. Most of us were living and working abroad, navigating the cultural and institutional barriers that come with building a film career outside Brazil. What started as a support circle quickly evolved into something more purposeful—a collective committed to collaboration over competition, determined to create a space where we could advocate for ourselves and each other in the international film industry.

What is the collective’s main mission, and how does it support Brazilian filmmakers working abroad?

Our mission is to support Brazilian filmmakers living and working outside Brazil by providing creative feedback, career guidance, resource-sharing, and connections. Through monthly meetings and strategic networking, we help our members navigate international systems—whether it’s securing funding, developing pitch materials, or preparing for distribution. Long-term, we’re committed to fostering our members’s career sustainability and to championing Brazilian cinema on a global stage, reinforcing our dedication to its visibility and growth.

How has the collective evolved since its founding?

After a series of informal meetings in 2021, we officially launched at the Berlin Film Festival’s European Film Market in 2022—and have since grown in both size and scope. What began as a handful of filmmakers has become a curated collective of 17 film professionals based or working across North America. We’ve expanded our programming, gained visibility through screenings and partnerships (like UCLA’s Hammer Museum, Argo, and CineshortNewFilmmakers LA), and deepened our ties with the global film community. We’re now laying the groundwork for a presence in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond.

What are some of the biggest challenges Brazilian filmmakers face when working internationally?

One major challenge is cultural misrecognition and misconceptions about Brazil’s place in Latin America. There’s also the lack of access to industry networks, mentorship, and funding outside our home country. Navigating those hurdles can be isolating, especially for filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds. That’s why building a collective has been crucial.

How does the collective foster collaboration among its members?

We host monthly online meetings to discuss works-in-progress, brainstorm around career obstacles, and provide hands-on support—from script notes to production logistics. Members occasionally collaborate on each other’s projects as co-producers, editors, or advisors. Beyond that, we share funding leads, invite guest speakers, and celebrate each other’s wins. It’s a deeply reciprocal environment.

What are some of the notable films that have emerged from the collective?

Our members' work has premiered at top-tier festivals like Sundance, Venice, Toronto, Cannes, and SXSW and streamers such as Netflix, Amazon, and others. Some recent highlights from our members include Alexandre Moratto’s 7 Prisoners, Iuli Gerbase’s The Pink Cloud, Moara Passoni’s My Mother is a Cow (with cinematography by Carolina Costa, produced by Sofia Geld and executive produced by Alex Moratto), Denise Zmekhol’s Skin of Glass, Rafael Thomaseto and Helena Sardinha’s Satisfaction, Jorge Camarotti’s Ousmane, and Débora Souza Silva’s Four Our Children, among many other titles by our members. Each of our films is unique in form and style, yet all share a commitment to socially relevant and emotionally resonant storytelling.

We believe that stories—even those set in Brazil and told in Portuguese—can be deeply universal and resonate with audiences around the world.

Many of your members have screened films at major festivals. How does the collective help with festival submissions and networking?

We regularly exchange insights about festival strategies, timelines, and what different programmers are looking for. When one of us gets into a major festival, we debrief that experience for the group. We also invite industry guests into our meetings when possible, building bridges that help demystify access and expand our networks.

How do you see the presence of Brazilian cinema in the international market today?

Brazilian cinema has long been rich in artistic quality, depth, and cultural specificity—yet it hasn’t always received the international visibility it deserves. That’s starting to shift. The recent success of films such as I'm Still Here brought renewed attention to our filmmaking, building on a legacy of powerful work and joining the ranks of internationally recognized titles The Secret Agent, The Blue Trail, The Edge of Democracy (co-written and associate produced by our member Moara Passoni), Mars One, Baby, Manas, and many others.

These films—and the growing number of awards and selections at top-tier festivals—signal a moment of real momentum. Still, the global market often privileges familiar narratives or aesthetics. The BRFC exists to challenge and expand perceptions of what Brazilian cinema can be—stylistically, politically, and culturally—while making space for more diverse and underrepresented voices within that landscape. And we believe that our stories—even those set in Brazil—hold the potential for universal relevance.

In what ways do you think Brazilian storytelling differs from other filmmaking traditions?

There’s an emotional intensity and poetic realism that runs through much of Brazilian cinema, even when dealing with structural issues like race, class, or corruption. Our stories are often shaped by nuances and contradictions—beauty and violence, humor and grief coexisting. That duality is part of our cultural DNA, and it gives our work a unique narrative texture.

Have you noticed an increase in global interest in Brazilian films and narratives?

Yes, there’s growing curiosity—especially around films that defy clichés and present Brazil through fresh, intimate, or provocative lenses. At the same time, we see how limited access and institutional bias still prevent many Brazilian stories from reaching wider audiences. We’re working to shift that dynamic through advocacy and visibility.

You’ve received mentorship from figures like Fernando Meirelles and Ramin Bahrani. How has their guidance shaped the collective?

Their support has been deeply affirming. As internationally acclaimed directors, they bring a wealth of experience and generosity. Fernando and Ramin have advised some of our members on both creative and strategic levels, helping them think about sustainability, authorship, and navigating the industry without losing their voices.

What advice would you give to emerging Brazilian filmmakers looking to make an impact abroad?

Find your people—whether through a formal collective or informal community—and remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Understand the system you’re entering, but don’t let it dilute your perspective. Your lived experience is your strength. Lastly, ask for help. We believe there’s power in vulnerability and collaboration.

How does the collective help filmmakers navigate financing and distribution challenges?

We openly discuss budgets, pitch materials, and grant applications—things that often feel opaque in our industry. For instance, when someone gets a grant or distribution deal, they break down the process for the group. We also pool knowledge about co-productions, fiscal sponsors, and local resources in the countries where we live. It’s a model of transparency that really helps everyone level up.

Are there any particular success stories of members who benefited from the collective’s support?

Absolutely. Several members have advanced their projects through creative collaboration from within the group. For instance, the short “My Mother is a Cow,” which premiered at Venice, won multiple awards worldwide, and screened in more than 40 festivals, was made through collaboration between several members of the group. More than anything, the collective gives members the confidence to keep pushing forward, especially in the face of rejection or burnout.

What are some of the upcoming projects or initiatives that the collective is working on?

We’re actively exploring ways to more consistently support and celebrate the work of our members, foster their career development, and expand the presence of Brazilian talent in international markets. At the same time, we’re preparing our next public showcase and collaborating with distribution platforms such as Cineshort and Argo—both of which have curated and distributed our work through their channels.

How do you envision the Brazilian Filmmakers Collective five years from now?

Five years from now, we envision the Brazilian Filmmakers Collective as a vibrant, enduring international network—one that not only connects Brazilian filmmakers across continents and disciplines but also actively helps its members reach new heights in their careers. We see our footprint expanding both within Brazil and globally, forging new alliances across continents, while deepening our presence within the U.S. market.

We’re a collective committed to continuity and inclusion, and we’re here to stay. As we grow, we want to keep building on the momentum we’ve created, offering more formal programs and a stronger platform to elevate underrepresented voices in global cinema. Our goal is not just to participate in industry conversations but to help shape them—collectively, boldly, and with purpose.

Do you plan to expand the collective to include more filmmakers in different regions?

Yes, expansion is a long-term goal. While we currently operate on a nomination-based model to preserve intimacy and trust, we’re actively thinking about how to create pathways for filmmakers in other regions. The need for this kind of support system is truly global.

How can aspiring filmmakers get involved with the collective?

At the moment, membership is by invitation, but we welcome outreach from fellow Brazilian filmmakers abroad who align with our mission. Even if someone isn’t a member, we’re always happy to encourage, build connections, and promote work by other talents. As we grow, we hope to open new channels for wider participation. One day we hope to be able to expand to accommodate the wave of emerging Brazilian talents around the world.

What do you think is the next big opportunity for Brazilian cinema on the global stage?

The next big opportunity for Brazilian cinema lies in both expanding international co-productions and leveraging streaming platforms—while also redefining what “international cinema” truly means. We believe it’s time to center stories from Afro-Brazilian, Indigenous, Queer, and working-class perspectives—narratives that have long been underfunded but are deeply resonant and globally relevant.

Brazilian cinema has always stood out for its originality and artistic quality. With the recent Oscar win and growing international recognition, we’re experiencing a pivotal moment. As a collective, we’re working to make the most of that momentum, not just to showcase our talent but to help break long-standing barriers and push past industry ceilings.

Brazilian filmmakers have consistently created extraordinary work—what’s changing now is the visibility and access. Our hope is to keep building from this moment, ensuring our stories continue to reach wider audiences and shift the global perception of what Brazilian cinema can be.

If you could collaborate with any filmmaker or production company in the world, who would it be and why?

There are many, but we’d be excited to collaborate with partners who value bold storytelling and global equity—companies like A24, Neon, Focus Features, Killer Films, Plan B, MJZ, Blossom Films, Hello Sunshine, and many other companies based in the US, Brazil, and beyond.

What draws us is not just artistic vision, but a shared commitment to expanding whose stories get told—and how.

As Brazilian cinema continues to gain ground on the global stage, the Brazilian Filmmakers Collective stands as a powerful reminder that solidarity, collaboration, and artistic integrity can transcend borders. By amplifying diverse voices and reimagining the future of storytelling, the BRFC isn’t just responding to a moment—it’s shaping change.