Only on Netflix! With Stars like Rodrigo Santoro and Rafael Vitti, Four Brazilian Films are Starting Production from Bahia to Bariloche

São Paulo, September 18, 2024 - In 2024, Netflix is gearing up to delight film lovers with its next Brazilian productions, perfect for those who love a good movie and a big bucket of popcorn. Four national films are currently in production, ranging from drama to comedy, with filming taking place across four Brazilian states and even in Bariloche, Argentina. And that's not all: Netflix is also announcing today that these projects feature major names both in front of and behind the camera.

The productions below reinforce Netflix's commitment to supporting and promoting Brazilian cinema, highlighting local stories and expanding collaborations with talents from our country. "We want audiences to find a wide variety of high-quality Brazilian films that resonate with different viewers. Our goal is to showcase the creative potential and diversity of national cinema, helping cultivate an audience that values locally-made productions", says Gabriel Gurman, director of Netflix films in Brazil.

First up, actor Rafael Vitti teams up with the canine star Amendoim as the lead in the fun and emotional Caramelo, a heartwarming drama that pays tribute to one of Brazil's greatest cultural symbols, the stray mutt. Filmed in São Paulo, the story follows Pedro, a determined chef on the verge of fulfilling his dream of leading a restaurant, until an unexpected diagnosis upends his life. With the help of a charming stray dog, he embarks on an emotional journey of rediscovery, finding meaning and inspiration in the present.

In the cast of Caramelo, Netflix also announces Arianne Botelho, Noemia Oliveira, Ademara, Kelzy Ecard, Bruno Vinicius, Roger Gobeth, and Olívia Araujo, along with Cristina Pereira and Carolina Ferraz. Produced by Migdal Filmes in its first partnership with Netflix, the film is directed by Diego Freitas (Beyond the Universe, Burning Betrayal), who also conceived the original idea. The screenplay is written by Diego Freitas, Rod Azevedo, and Carolina Castro, with consulting from Marcelo Saback and Vitor Brandt. The film also features animal trainer Luis Estrelas, ensuring animal welfare on set, as well as consulting from American trainer Mike Miliotti (Garfield), who has been training and caring for animals in the film and television industry for over 20 years.

Another major announcement is the adaptation of Valter Hugo Mãe's novel O Filho de Mil Homens. Starring Rodrigo Santoro in the lead role, the film is directed and written by Oscar-nominated Daniel Rezende. The story follows Crisóstomo, a lonely fisherman who, at 40, feels the emptiness of not having a child and dreams of becoming a father. In his search for genuine and deep connections, he meets Camilo, an orphaned boy, and decides to raise him, creating a unique and unconventional family. Believing that "when you dream big enough, reality follows," the narrative explores the beauty and complexity of human relationships, addressing themes such as acceptance and the formation of new familial bonds.

Filmed in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, and in small towns in the countryside of Bahia, the feature is produced by Barry Company and Biônica Filmes. The cast also includes Rebeca Jamir, Johnny Massaro, Miguel Martines, Juliana Caldas, Grace Passô, Inez Vianna, Lívia Silva, and Antonio Haddad.

Of course, there's also a must-watch comedy! Full of family adventure and lots of snow, Netflix's new untitled family comedy follows Otávio (Leandro Hassum), a father who is forced to travel with his family to Bariloche, Argentina, to meet his daughter Mariana's (Júlia Svacinna) Argentine fiancé. Amidst stunning landscapes, ice tumbles, and clumsy attempts at Spanish, Otávio must navigate a significant misunderstanding caused by his jealousy and inappropriate behavior, all to save his daughter's wedding - and their relationship. Brazilian and Argentine talents will entertain audiences: alongside Júlia and Hassum are Gabriel Goity, Simón Hempe, Karina Ramil, Mariela Pizzo, João Barreto, and Abril di Yorio. Filmed in Rio de Janeiro and Bariloche, the movie is produced by Camisa Listrada, directed by Felipe Joffily and written by Leandro Soares and Lucas Blanco.

Finally, the film Vicentina Pede Desculpas, directed and written by Gabriel Martins, the acclaimed creator of Mars One, is being filmed in Belo Horizonte with actress Rejane Faria in the lead role. Produced by Filmes de Plástico, Gabriel's own production company, the film tells the story of a 75-year-old woman who must confront the death (and the speculations about the potential suicide) of her son, who was the bus driver son and all the passengers after the crowded bus falls from a bridge. Vicentina decides to embark on a journey to seek out the victims' families to apologize. With a sensitive and introspective approach, the film explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grief in a delicate and realistic manner. The cast also includes Maira Azevedo, Giovanna Heliodora, Thalma de Freitas e Grace Passô.

Stay tuned for more information about the productions soon!

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