Brazilian Film Festival Makes Dazzling Debut in Orlando, Celebrating Culture and Creativity

The Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival (LABRIFF), one of the most prestigious showcases of Brazilian cinema abroad, made its debut in Orlando, Florida — home to the second-largest Brazilian community in the United States. The premiere was a resounding success, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and producers to celebrate the richness of Brazilian storytelling.

Hollywood glamour met the magic of Orlando as the red carpet rolled out for Brazilian artists and celebrities living in the U.S. Actress and festival juror Daniela Escobar praised the event’s energy and cultural impact.

Now in its 18th edition, LABRIFF featured 192 hours of programming, including feature films, shorts, documentaries, children’s content, environmental productions, and even vertical films — a format that bridges cinema and social media to engage younger audiences. The opening night was marked by the emotional premiere of Mauricio de Souza: The Movie and the documentary Asas, both of which received honorable mentions.

The festival’s top honor went to Jorge da Capadócia, which won Best Film and Best Actor for Alexandre Machafer. The film blends faith, culture, and action in a story inspired by Saint George.

Other highlights included Colegas e Herdeiros, which took home the award for Best Screenplay, and Enquanto o Céu Não Me Espera (While the Sky Doesn’t Wait for Me), which earned Christiane Garcia the Best Director award and Priscilla Vilela the Best Actress prize. Shot during the Amazon River floods, the film tells the story of a farmer forced to choose between staying or abandoning his home after a devastating flood.

More than a film festival, LABRIFF Orlando became a cultural bridge between Brazil and the United States — a celebration of shared stories, dreams, and identities. As Claudia Menezes of Visit Orlando put it, “Brazilian cinema is universal, and this festival proves it.”