Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein,’ ‘Jay Kelly’ Set for São Paulo

Netflix has made a significant impact at Brazil’s São Paulo International Film Festival, Mostra SP, by showcasing four highly anticipated titles. These titles include Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” Shih-Ching Tsou’s “Left-Handed Girl,” and Daniel Rezende’s “The Son of a Thousand Men” starring Rodrigo Santoro.

Elisabetta Zenatti, VP of content for Brazil, expressed excitement about Netflix’s strong presence at the festival, stating that this year’s lineup is the most robust since their partnership with Mostra began.

Guillermo del Toro, whose film “Frankenstein” made its Brazilian premiere at the festival, praised Mostra for its vibrant energy that celebrates both established and emerging voices in cinema. Del Toro highlighted the thematic resonance of “Frankenstein,” a story about reclaiming identity and embracing one’s uniqueness.

“Jay Kelly” and “Left-Handed Girl” will have their Latin American premieres at the festival. “Jay Kelly” features George Clooney as a famous actor seeking to rediscover himself, alongside his manager played by Adam Sandler. “Left-Handed Girl,” co-written by Sean Baker, explores family bonds and hidden secrets in Taipei’s bustling night market.

“The Son of a Thousand Men,” starring Rodrigo Santoro, will have its world premiere at the festival. The film, based on a bestselling novel, follows a fisherman longing for a son who crosses paths with a young orphan and a woman running from her past. Together, they discover the true meaning of family and connection.

Del Toro emphasized the significance of Brazilian cinema and its evolving landscape, noting the country’s diverse, political, and humanistic storytelling. He believes that Brazil is reclaiming its role as a protagonist in global cinema conversations.

Netflix is further supporting the Brazilian film industry through the Netflix Award, presented to an independent Brazilian film. This initiative aims to elevate Brazilian cinema on the global stage by acquiring distribution rights for the winning film, making it accessible to audiences worldwide.

Previous winners of the Netflix Award include Haroldo Borges’ “Bittersweet Rain” and Lírio Ferreira’s “Serra das Almas.” Netflix’s participation in Mostra SP dates back to 2018 with Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma,” and the current year marks their third official partnership with the festival. By showcasing diverse and compelling Brazilian films, Netflix continues to strengthen its support for the creative community and promote global storytelling. In 2023, the prestigious Mostra São Paulo Film Festival honored “Bittersweet Rain” (“Saudade Fez Morada Aqui Dentro”) with its Netflix award, showcasing the Brazilian premiere of Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro.” The recognition of these films highlighted the diverse and vibrant storytelling present in the global cinema landscape.

Fast forward to 2024, Netflix continued its collaboration with Mostra by presenting three original productions at the festival. These included the U.S. title “Piano Lesson,” México’s “Pedro Páramo,” and the Brazilian limited series “Children of the Church Steps.” The inclusion of these diverse films further solidified Mostra’s commitment to showcasing a wide range of voices and perspectives from around the world.

Director Borges, the creative mind behind “Bittersweet Rain,” emphasized the importance of platforms like Netflix in amplifying the reach of Brazilian independent cinema. He expressed how the availability of his film on Netflix allowed for a wider audience to discover and appreciate the cultural richness depicted in the movie. The portrayal of the Brazilian Northeastern region, often overlooked in mainstream cinema, resonated with viewers globally and sparked a renewed interest in showcasing the unique aspects of Brazilian culture on screen.

The impact of “Bittersweet Rain” on international audiences was profound, with social media trends, heartfelt messages, and even unexpected friendships emerging as a result of the film’s success. Actress Wilma Macedo received an outpouring of love from fans in Turkey, while the French actor who dubbed Ronny in the film formed a genuine connection with the Brazilian actor Ronnaldy Gomes. The film’s celebration of Bahia’s sertão, with its diverse music styles and landscapes, struck a chord with viewers worldwide, fostering a sense of representation and visibility for underrepresented communities.

The collaborative efforts between Mostra São Paulo Film Festival and Netflix have not only elevated the profile of Brazilian cinema but also fostered a sense of cultural exchange and understanding on a global scale. By championing diverse stories and voices, these platforms continue to push boundaries and inspire audiences to embrace the rich tapestry of world cinema.

As we look towards the future, it is clear that partnerships like the one between Mostra and Netflix will play a vital role in shaping the landscape of international cinema, ensuring that stories from all corners of the globe have the opportunity to be seen and celebrated. The success of “Bittersweet Rain” and other films showcased at the festival serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and uniting audiences in a shared cinematic experience.

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