Netflix names Talismã winner of its Brazilian film award at the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival

On the closing night of the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival, Netflix announced Talismã as the winner of the fourth Netflix Award. The film will be licensed by Netflix and made available to audiences worldwide.

Directed by Thais Fujinaga, Talismã is about single motherhood. Fujinaga co-wrote the screenplay with the lead actress, Fernanda Chicolet. Vulcana Filmes produced the film, in co-production with Vitrine Filmes and Syndrome Films.

Set in Rio Grande do Sul, the story follows a dance teacher whose family routine changes when her young daughter is selected for a children's talent show on television. The film looks at expectations, frustrations and life-defining choices.

" Talismã won us over with its truth on screen and for portraying family bonds and motherhood with such delicacy and power," said Barbara Adams, Head of Licensing at Netflix Brazil. "Bringing such an authentic story to a global audience reflects the exact purpose of this award."

Fujinaga said she had not expected the film to travel so far. "It never crossed my mind that this film, made independently and outside the Rio-São Paulo axis, could reach 190 countries," she said. "Long live Mostra de SP and Latin American cinema!"

How the award works

Launched in 2023, the award recognizes and licenses a Brazilian feature screening at the Mostra that does not yet have a streaming release window. This year's jury was Adams, Eliane Vidal and journalist Flávia Guerra.

Previous winners

• First edition: Bittersweet Rain , directed by Haroldo Borges and set in Bahia. It was dubbed into 10 languages and subtitled in 32, and reached audiences in countries including France, Turkey, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

• Second edition (2024): Soul's Peak , by Lírio Ferreira, set in the Pernambuco backlands. It is available in the Netflix catalog.

• Third edition: Virtuous Women , by Cíntia Domit Bittar, from Santa Catarina. After a recent theatrical run, it will arrive on Netflix soon.