The 49th São Paulo International Film Festival joins forces with the British Film Institute (BFI) to build bridges between Brazilian and British audiovisual industries. This partnership brings a series of initiatives designed to foster creative exchange, encourage new co-productions, and increase visibility for films from both countries.
British Films on the Festival Screen
Audiences will have the chance to watch eight British feature films, with all licensing, translation, and subtitling costs covered by the partnership. In addition, two British directors will travel to São Paulo to present their films in person, with travel and accommodation provided through the collaboration between the Festival and the BFI.
Brazil at the BFI London Film Festival 2025
A programmer from the São Paulo Festival will attend the BFI London Film Festival to watch works-in-progress screenings and scout British films nearing completion for potential inclusion in the 2026 edition. Joining them are three Brazilian audiovisual professionals with co-production projects involving the UK, who will take part in the Industry Forum with a personalized schedule of meetings with the UK Global Screen Fund, the BFI Filmmaking Fund, and other key industry players. One of the spots is reserved for professionals supported by affirmative action policies.
United Kingdom at the São Paulo Festival 2025
A programmer from the BFI London Film Festival will come to São Paulo to attend works-in-progress screenings and seek out Brazilian productions for the 2026 London edition. The British delegation will also include two audiovisual professionals, preferably with co-production projects involving Brazil, who will participate in the business rounds of the 5th Audiovisual Ideas Exchange, the Festival’s industry event.
*São Paulo x London was selected through the UK-Brazil Season of Culture open call.