The feature film O Agente Secreto, directed by filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho, had its world premiere this Sunday (18) at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in France. The production, starring Wagner Moura, is one of the contenders for the Palme d’Or, the event’s main prize. The screening was accompanied by a Brazilian cultural celebration and received applause from the audience for approximately 15 minutes.
The film is a co-production between Brazil, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, and received funding from the Audiovisual Sectoral Fund (FSA), linked to the National Cinema Agency (Ancine), with support from the Ministry of Culture (MinC).
The Brazilian delegation consisted of actors and technical team members, such as Gabriel Leone, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Juliana Paes, Barbara Paz, Isabel Zuaa, Caio Venâncio, producer Emilie Lesclaux, and the director himself. The Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes, and the Audiovisual Secretary, Joelma Gonzaga, also participated in the event.
The delegation’s arrival on the red carpet was marked by a performance of Pernambuco frevo, featuring an orchestra and artists who brought Brazilian musicality to the streets of Cannes.
Conference
Still in France, Brazil promoted the conference “With Whom to (Co)Produce in Brazil?”, within the framework of the Marché du Film. The objective was to present to the international market the different regional profiles of Brazilian audiovisual.
The event featured representatives from entities such as the Northeast Producers Association (APAN), the Centro-Oeste, North and Northeast Audiovisual Connection (CONNE), and the Rio Grande do Sul Cinema Foundation (Fundacine).
During her participation, Minister Margareth Menezes highlighted the strategic role of national culture in international events.
“The Marché du Film brings Brazil as the country of honor. This represents an important opportunity to value our cultural production. We are working to expand the presence of Brazilian audiovisual on the global stage,” said the minister, according to a note released by the ministry.
Kleber Mendonça Filho emphasized the relevance of public funding for the cultural sector. “Allowing culture to express itself artistically is part of what defines a nation. Brazil has a very special vocation, recognized internationally. It is a source of pride to make this film with public resources, both Brazilian and from other partner countries,” he stressed.
Diversity
Another highlight of the programming was the panel “Voices of the Majority in Cinema: Brazil’s 54% Black Population Can’t Wait,” which discussed black representation in audiovisual. The event brought together artists, producers, and partner entities, such as the Guimarães Rosa Institute, UN Women, Nicho 54 Institute, and Paradiso Project.
Panelists included actress and producer Camila Pitanga, Robson Dias (Búzios Films), Bethânia Maia (Vaporosa Cultural), and composer Pedro Santiago, moderated by Markus Thersio.
Camila Pitanga highlighted the importance of a more plural cinema. “We want to see a Brazil that reflects the diversity of its population, with space for voices like those of Carolina Maria de Jesus and Luiz Gama. This is the Brazilian cinema we want to build,” emphasized the actress.
The panel reinforced the need for public policies that ensure racial equity in the production chain and encourage diverse narratives in the audiovisual sector.