Stunning landscapes, historic cities, and unusual nooks of Brazil have been gaining ever more prominence on the screens of national cinema. What was once just a backdrop for major productions is now becoming a destination for tourists seeking immersive experiences. This is one of the trends highlighted in the latest edition of the Revista Tendências do Turismo, which spotlights so-called “cinematic tourism” as one of the rising movements in the sector.
De acordo com análises recentes dos sites especializados Travel + Leisure e Euronews, essa conexão entre mídia e turismo não só enriquece a experiência dos viajantes, mas também impulsiona a economia local. Estima-se que filmes populares aumentem o fluxo turístico em média 31% nas localidades onde foram gravados, redefinindo a forma como histórias ganham vida fora das telas.
Locations That Have Become Travel Itineraries
Examples abound. The Pelourinho, in Salvador (BA), became world-renowned after appearing in productions like “Ó Paí, Ó”. The vibrant colors, colonial architecture, and street culture of the neighborhood attract thousands of visitors eager to experience the atmosphere portrayed in the film.
Rio de Janeiro is another classic setting for national productions. The backdrop for scenes from “City of God”, “My Name Ain’t Johnny”, “My Mom Is a Character”, among many others, it has become a must-visit for tourists interested in guided tours led by locals or simply to enjoy the state’s beauties. Another highlight of the Fluminense capital is the setting for the recent film “Ainda Estou Aqui”, which has drawn visitors to explore the filming locations, boosting tourist activity in the city.
In Brazil’s interior, the phenomenon holds true as well. The city of Cabaceiras, in Paraíba, earned the nickname of “Northeastern Hollywood” for serving as the setting for various films, most emblematically “O Auto da Compadecida”. Since then, the city has solidified its status as a hub for audiovisual tourism, attracting curious travelers to discover the behind-the-scenes of the production and the setting that brought the Brazilian cultural classic to life.
Another iconic destination is Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, which gained international fame by appearing in films like “House of Sand”. The dunes and crystal-clear lagoons have become a bucket-list spot for adventurers and nature lovers.
In Tiradentes (MG), a charming inland city in Minas Gerais, cultural tourism is amplified by its history as a location for period productions like “O Menino Maluquinho”, and by the traditional Tiradentes Film Festival, which energizes the local economy and cultural calendar.
Brazil Also on International Screens
Beyond national productions, Brazil has shone as a backdrop for major international films. Rio de Janeiro, for instance, is a favorite Hollywood destination. “Fast Five” featured action scenes filmed at iconic spots like Parque Lage and Mangaratiba. More recently, the blockbuster “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” also utilized various Rio scenarios, such as the Centro, Santa Teresa, Leme, and Copacabana.
The city also inspired the animation “Rio”, which introduced the world to Christ the Redeemer, Tijuca Forest, and other striking landscapes. Another example is the Twilight saga, with part of “Breaking Dawn – Part 1” filmed in Lapa, the famed bohemian neighborhood of the Fluminense capital.
In addition to Rio de Janeiro, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park hosted filming for “Avengers: Infinity War”. The Northeastern postcard of dunes and shimmering water pools transformed into the planet Vormir in the film’s storyline. These productions have further elevated Brazil on the international tourism map.
Source: www.gov.br