Brazilian Film Festival Debuts in Orlando, Turning the City into an International Stage for Cinema
With the world premiere of “Mauricio de Sousa, The Movie” and support from cultural partners, LABRFF Orlando promises three days of film, networking, and cross-cultural exchange between Brazil and the U.S.
Brazilian artists attended the Festival's opening. Photo credit: advertising
Brazilian cinema is gaining even greater international exposure this year. For the first time, the Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival (LABRFF) will land in Orlando, Florida, for a special edition from October 24 to 26, 2025, at Regal Pointe Orlando. Known as the largest Brazilian film festival outside Brazil, the event promises to combine Hollywood-style red-carpet glamour with the strength of Brazilian audiovisual production.
Opening night will feature the world premiere of “Mauricio de Sousa, The Movie”, celebrating the 90-year journey of the creator of the iconic Monica’s Gang. Over three days, audiences will experience feature films, documentaries, and shorts that showcase the diversity of contemporary Brazilian cinema. Highlights include “Enquanto o Céu Não Me Espera” (While Heaven Doesn’t Wait for Me) by Christiane Garcia, which will close the festival, “Jorge da Capadócia” by Alexandre Machafer, and the documentary “Rei da Noite” (King of the Night).
The festival is also investing in younger audiences with a family-friendly program, including the film “Dois é Demais em Orlando” (Two is Too Much in Orlando), directed by Rodrigo Van Der Put, promising plenty of laughs for children and adults alike. “Our goal is to highlight the new generation of Brazilian filmmakers while also captivating audiences of all ages,” said Meire Fernandes, festival director.
This Orlando edition is supported by Global Peace 360, the Brazilian Consulate in Orlando, and the City of Orlando’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, reinforcing its mission as a cultural bridge between nations. “We want LABRFF Orlando to be a meeting point for artists, producers, and local communities, expanding networking opportunities and strengthening Brazilian cinema’s presence in the international market,” explained Marcelo Ramos, national coordinator of the project.
Celebrating its 18th anniversary in 2025, LABRFF has already screened over 1,000 films and honored more than 600 professionals, solidifying itself as a global reference for Brazilian audiovisual content. According to Ramos, Orlando is the perfect next step: “Florida is home to a vibrant Brazilian community and a growing cultural scene. Bringing the festival here means consolidating that connection and opening new doors for Brazilian talent.”
With red-carpet glamour, acclaimed films, and a lineup designed for all audiences, LABRFF Orlando is set to turn the city into the capital of Brazilian cinema for three unforgettable days.