Rio Film Festival spotlights elections, Brazilian cinema and audience access

The Rio Film Festival ran from Oct.

1 to 11, as Brazil was holding a closely contested presidential election.

The first round left current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva behind far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro by less than 2%, and a second round was set for Oct.

25.

Politics featured in festival conversations, while several filmmakers publicly voiced support for Lula.

The festival also showcased Brazilian films, including titles selected for international festivals and awards.

At industry sessions, executives and producers said Brazil has keen film fans, including young people who follow international cinema online.

But the country has relatively few cinema screens: 3,538, with 43% in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, despite a population of more than 214 million.

Participants said more screening rooms are needed to help turn interest in films into cinema attendance.

The election’s second round was due to take place after the festival.