5 most awarded films of Brazilian cinema

Cinema reflects identity and cultural diversity, showing different perspectives and life experiences. Over the years, Brazilian works have gained increasing prominence in the international market, with films being shown at renowned and award-winning festivals, which helps to promote Brazil’s image abroad. Even if many people don’t know it, our country has several audiovisual works that make history and are remembered when we talk about national cinema. Check out some of them:

1. The Payer of Promises (1962)

This work is considered a landmark of Brazilian cinema and was the first national film to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Directed by Anselmo Duarte, the plot revolves around Zé do Burro, a man who promised his saint that he would donate half of his land in exchange for the cure of his sick donkey. When his donkey is healed, he tries to keep his promise, but ends up facing the bureaucracy of the Catholic Church and local traditions. In addition to having won the “Golden Palm” award, the work was also nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and won the international critics’ award at the Berlin Film Festival.

2. Central do Brasil (1998)

Directed by Walter Salles, the feature tells the story of Dora, a former teacher who writes letters to illiterate people at the Central do Brasil station, in Rio de Janeiro. One day, she becomes involved in the life of an orphaned boy and together they set out in search of the boy’s father. The film won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, in addition to being nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and winning the Golden Globe in the same category.

Furthermore, Fernanda Montenegrothe actress who plays Dora, was the first Latin American and the only Brazilian ever nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress and is the only Oscar nominated for a performance in Portuguese, due to her work in Central do Brasil.

3. City of God (2002)

“City of God” is a raw and realistic portrayal of violence and social inequality in Brazil. Based on the homonymous book by Paulo Lins, the film, directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund, portrays life in a favela in Rio de Janeiro, from the 1960s to the 1980s. including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, in addition to having won several international awards, such as the BAFTA for Best Foreign Language Film and the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

4. The Four (1995)

Directed by Fábio Barreto, the film takes place at the end of the 19th century and tells the story of two Italian couples who immigrate to the south of Brazil in search of a better life. When one of the couples gets involved in an extramarital affair, everyone’s lives are shaken. O film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.

5. Elite Squad (2007)

Released in 2007, this work, by director José Padilha, portrays the daily life of BOPE (Special Police Operations Battalion) officers in the fight against organized crime in Rio de Janeiro. The film won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, in addition to being nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.