Recife, the capital of Brazil’s Northeast region, is set to host the third edition of the Projeto Paradiso Talent Network national meeting from April 16 to 18. This gathering, organized by the philanthropic Olga Rabinovich Institute, aims to nurture filmmaking talent in a collaborative, non-competitive environment. The event has grown significantly since its inception, with attendance rising to 184 participants, over 70% of the network, marking it as the largest meeting yet.
The meeting follows increased international recognition of Recife as a filmmaking hub, notably through Kleber Mendonça Filho’s period drama “The Secret Agent,” which received four Oscar nominations and features the city prominently. Mendonça Filho will participate as a speaker along with his producing partner Emilie Lesclaux to discuss the film’s production. British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., known for his Cannes-selected film “My Father’s Shadow,” will also present and engage in dialogue moderated by Paradiso talent Jaqueline Souza.
Projeto Paradiso’s origins date back to 2020 when the organization first gathered around 30 emerging filmmakers in São Paulo. Recognizing the value of community and accessibility, the meeting has since expanded and moved to cities outside the traditional Rio-São Paulo industry axis to better represent Brazil’s diverse talent. The previous meeting was held in Salvador, Bahia.
Program director Rachel do Valle emphasized the event’s focus on connection rather than competition, describing it as a “safe room” where creatives can present projects and build relationships without the pressures of typical industry pitching sessions. Executive director Josephine Bourgois highlighted the importance of fostering a community in a competitive field, noting that several successful projects originated from contacts made at Projeto Paradiso events.
The organization has provided 214 bursaries, 94 awards, and 66 workshops in recent years, positioning itself as a key facilitator for Brazilian filmmakers seeking international exposure. Many talents have accessed global markets through support from Projeto Paradiso.
International guests have been an integral part of the meetings, including notable figures such as Julien Rejl, head programmer at Directors’ Fortnight, and director Ladj Ly, whose presence has helped foster cross-cultural partnerships. This year’s choice of Akinola Davies Jr. aligns with the network’s mission, as his film resonates with Brazilian filmmaking themes and international recognition.
The meeting aims to sustain a supportive environment where participants can develop both personal and professional networks that endure beyond the event. As Olga Rabinovich, the institute’s founder, expressed in 2024, the goal is for the meeting to continue growing and filling with talent — a vision the current organizers believe they are fulfilling.
Projeto Paradiso’s continued commitment to decentralization and community-building highlights the evolving landscape of Brazil’s film industry and its increasing integration with the global cinema community. The Recife meeting will bring together filmmakers, producers, and creatives to share experiences, collaborate, and strengthen the country’s cinematic influence.
