#Japan #Tokyo #Cinebrasil+ #Brazilian Cinema #Tokyo Film Festival

Cinebrasil+: A New Chapter in Film Festivals

The excitement is building as the Cinebrasil+ festival is set to make its debut in January 2026, taking place both in-person at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya, Tokyo, and via online streaming on the Lumière platform. Organized by the s.e.a. group, this festival will showcase seven carefully selected films that embody Brazil's rich cultural diversity and emotional depth, marking a significant milestone in bringing Brazilian cinema to Japan.

Festival Overview

Key Dates

• - In-Person Screening: January 9-15, 2026 at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya.
• - Online Streaming: January 16 - February 15, 2026 on Lumière.

This hybrid format aims to share the power of Brazilian cinema nationwide in Japan, providing audiences with a unique opportunity to experience captivating narratives that inspire, provoke thought, and evoke empathy.

Mission and Funding

With a goal to present Japan's first public screenings of diverse Brazilian films, Cinebrasil+ is currently running a crowdfunding campaign until November 16, 2025. This initiative aims to support various costs including subtitle translations, DCP material production, and promotional expenses. Notably, contributions come with exciting rewards such as early screenings and exclusive merchandise. You can participate in this endeavor via Campfire.

Film Lineup

The festival's film selection spans several genres, each chosen for its ability to resonate with audiences.

Dramas

• - Our Dream: Funk Carioca (Japanese Premiere) - A Brazilian film that achieved the top spot in box office performance in 2023.
• - Pá Queche Dances (Japanese Premiere) - An award-winning feature that received accolades for Best Film and Best Director at various international film festivals.

Music Documentaries

• - The Story of Clube da Esquina (Japanese Premiere) - An exploration of one of Brazil's most iconic albums, offering behind-the-scenes insights from its creators.
• - For February: Maria Bethânia and Mangueira (Japanese Premiere) - A film diving into Brazil’s Carnival and Samba culture through the lens of a celebrated singer’s journey.

Social Documentaries

• - Fashion in the Favela (Japanese Premiere) - A thought-provoking look at young individuals fighting against discrimination through fashion.
• - Motherhood: A Convenient Word (Japanese Premiere) - A humorous take on the universal question of what it means to be a mother.

Short Films from the Brazilian Community in Japan

• - NOVA (Produced in Japan) - This short film captures the essence of multicultural coexistence, filmed in Gunma Prefecture.

A Festival with a Purpose

The symbol of the + in Cinebrasil+ represents diversity, connection, dialogue, and change. It seeks to create a platform that connects different cultures, reviewing Brazil's unique narratives and shared human experiences. The organizers believe that every film presented serves as a vessel for encounters and insights, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in the film experience, whether in a shared theater or through their own screens at home.

Erika Miyashita and Katsuaki Hanada, joint representatives of s.e.a., express their hopes for the festival: "We aim for the Cinebrasil+ to be a space for shared experiences and emotional connections to Brazilian culture. We invite everyone to join us on this journey to celebrate and explore the richness of Brazilian cinema."

FAQs

Q1: What is Cinebrasil+?
A: It’s a new film festival showcasing Brazilian cinema through a hybrid format in January 2026.

Q2: What does the '+' signify?
A: It symbolizes intersections, encounters, and the dynamic nature of culture and diversity.

Q3: What type of films will be featured?
A: The festival will highlight films that showcase Brazil's beautiful diversity, including award-winning features and documentaries with socially relevant themes.

Q4: How can I get involved with the crowdfunding campaign?
A: Visit Campfire to support and explore the rewards available.

In conclusion, Cinebrasil+ promises to be a festival that not only entertains but also engages the audience culturally and socially. Stay tuned for the more detailed schedule and be prepared to experience the vibrant storytelling that Brazilian cinema uniquely offers.