Cinema of Brazil

The Cinema of Brazil refers to the film industry based in Brazil. It began in the early 1900s but took time to become popular.

The growth of Brazilian cinema often depended on support from the government and special rewards. This support helped filmmakers create many different kinds of movies that show the culture and stories of Brazil. Even with challenges, Brazilian films continue to entertain and inspire people both in Brazil and around the world.

History

Early days

Just after the Lumière brothers invented film, people in Rio de Janeiro watched movies. By 1898, a man named Affonso Segreto may have filmed Guanabara Bay from a ship. Early Brazilian films started making an impact from 1900 to 1912, with over one hundred films made each year. In 1908, Brazil saw its first very popular film, called Os Estranguladores, made by Antonio Leal.

During this time, films were mostly made by people who loved film, not big companies. The government did not help much, and there were almost no rules for making films. Theaters for watching films only got bigger later on. Most films were either from other countries or short films about local events.

In the 1920s, film making grew in places like Recife, Campinas, Cataguases, Juiz de Fora, and Guaranésia. Many early films were made by people from Italy who lived in Brazil.

1930s and 1940s

Atlântida

In the 1940s and 1950s, a company called Atlântida Cinematográfica made films that many people watched. Two actors, Oscarito and Grande Otelo, became very famous for their funny acting. They worked well together, making many people laugh. Other actors played bad guys or difficult characters. Some people thought these films were too commercial, but many people watched them.

Vera Cruz

A company called Companhia Cinematográfica Vera Cruz started in São Paulo in the 1940s. They made films inspired by Hollywood but also followed styles from Italy. Some of these films were very popular, but later some filmmakers wanted to make different kinds of movies. This led to a new style called Cinema Novo, or New Cinema. Vera Cruz eventually closed down.

Cinema Novo

Some filmmakers wanted to show real problems in Brazil. They made films to suggest that changes were needed. Important directors included Nelson Pereira dos Santos, Ruy Guerra, Leon Hirszman, and Carlos Diegues.

B Films

In the 1960s and 1970s, some filmmakers in São Paulo made low-budget movies that were different from mainstream films. These films were sometimes funny. Because rules required theaters to show Brazilian films, some theaters helped fund these unusual movies. Even though some people were embarrassed by these films, they kept getting made because people watched them.

1970s and 1980s

During these years, a government agency called Embrafilme helped make movies. Famous films from this time include Bye Bye Brazil and Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands.

Retomada and contemporary cinema

In the early 1990s, there was less money for films, and Embrafilme closed. But then new laws helped bring back film making. The comedy Carlota Joaquina - Princess of Brazil from 1995 is often considered the start of this comeback. Since then, Brazil has made films that have been recognized around the world, like City of God and Elite Squad.

Brazilian films often talk about social and political issues. In 2025, the film I'm Still Here won an Academy Award. Brazil has three cities recognized by UNESCO for film making: Santos, Penedo, and São Paulo.

Domestic market

Since the 1970s, fewer people have been going to movie theaters. In the 1990s, small theaters closed, and bigger multiplex theaters in shopping centers became popular. By December 1999, Cinemark Theatres was the largest theater chain with 180 screens. UCI Cinemas had 80 screens.

Lately, more people watch shows on televisions or computers instead of going to movies. This is because these devices cost less. Movie ticket prices have also gone up a lot.

In the early 1990s, making Brazilian movies was hard because of new rules from the government. But things got better later. From 2000 to 2003, more people watched Brazilian films.

Today, Brazilian films get money from companies that support them. But filmmakers still have trouble getting their movies shown in theaters or on TV.