In a country with continental dimensions like Brazil, with huge cultural and geographic differences, a project that started two decades ago has now become an important mirror of childhoods from around the world through film narratives. The Florianópolis Children’s Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary edition with a free online programme, bringing to the screen the richness of Brazilian culture and how it’s dialogue with the rest of the world.
Celebrating its 20th edition with the premiere of TARSILINHA, an animation inspired by the work of Brazilian artist Tarsila do Amaral (1886-1973), is emblematic for the Florianópolis Children’s Film Festival. For two decades, the festival has been striving for a Brazilian cinema focused on its roots, its art and its history. TARSILINHA (Celia Catunda & Kiko Mistrorigo) represents it all. The festival will make 140 national and international films available online for children from all around Brazil.
Over the years, the Festival has been recognised for its commitment to ethnic and racial representation and for maintaining a close dialogue with children. “The festival has always had a strong partnership with school teachers, which was built as the audience was being formed. This is undoubtedly an inspiration to the world”, says curator Gilka Girardello.
Connection with the world
Children’s film production has evolved. Until 2002, Brazil was flooded by North American productions but, from that point onwards, the window was expanded and Brazilian children could now see themselves represented on the screen. Through partnerships with European, Asian and Latin American filmmakers, Brazilians can now experience other cultures. “Over the years, partnerships with European festivals and studios have been very productive for professional exchange and to increase knowledge about children’s cinema in Brazil”, points out Luiza Lins.
After nearly two years, marked not only by a pandemic but also by economic and political crises in Brazil, the Florianópolis Children’s Film Festival gets stronger year after year, largely due to the network of directors, educators and many other forces that have formed a pulsating collective that makes the festival the oldest and most important of its kind in Brazil.
Save the date! The 20th Florianópolis Children’s Film Festival will take place from 16–31 October and the entire programme can be watched at https://www.mostradecinemainfantil.com.br/.