Directors Enock Carvalho and Matheus Farias saw their Locarno-winning debut feature, “The Riverbank,” crowned Best Fiction Feature Film. Set against the evocative backdrop of Recife, the film delves into the life of young cleaner Izaquiel and his pursuit of intimacy with fisherman Jeremias. As external violence encroaches, their journey into the mysterious mangrove ecosystem blurs the lines between reality and myth, shedding light on the unseen power dynamics at play. The film's success at Rio follows its earlier international acclaim and also garnered additional awards for Cinematography, Sound Design, and Supporting Actress for Ísis Broken. Notably, it also received the Felix Award for Best Brazilian Film, recognizing its impactful portrayal of LGBTQIA+ themes.
Eryk Rocha's compelling work, “Elza,” was honored as Best Documentary Feature Film. This project serves as a comprehensive exploration of the legendary Brazilian singer and public figure, Elza Soares. Utilizing a rich tapestry of rare archival materials and intimate conversations recorded during Soares’ final years, the documentary masterfully chronicles her seven-decade career while revealing the multifaceted woman behind the iconic persona. “Elza” arrives with the backing of esteemed partners including Aruac Filmes, Maria Farinha Filmes, Globo Filmes, RAI Cinema, and Gullane+, underscoring its significant production pedigree.
Beyond the top two, several other prominent Brazilian films made a strong showing. Gabriel Martins’ “On Behalf of My Son,” a Toronto International Film Festival selection, earned him the Best Director award for fiction, along with Best Screenplay, and resonated strongly with audiences, securing the Audience Award for Fiction Feature. Venice-selected “London,” by Victor di Marco and Márcio Picoli, saw Victor di Marco take home Best Actor, and also won for Costume Design and was recognized with the FIPRESCI Award for Best Brazilian Film. Ricardo Alves Jr.'s “The French Teacher,” which recently premiered at San Sebastián, also received multiple accolades, including a shared Best Actress award for Grace Passô, Best Supporting Actor for Pedro Goifman, and Best Original Score.
The festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling was evident across its various juries and award categories. The Premiére Brasil jury, led by veteran producer Esther García, recognized a wide array of talent. The Felix Jury, specifically dedicated to celebrating LGBTQIA+ narratives, highlighted films like “The Riverbank” and international feature “À voix basse,” underscoring the festival's inclusive spirit. The Novos Rumos (New Trends) section also championed emerging voices, with “Não Estamos Sonhando” taking its top feature prize.