Projeto Paradiso Unveils Bold 2026 Incubator Slate at Ventana Sur (EXCLUSIVE)

At the current Ventana Sur market, Brazils Projeto Paradiso has revealed three new fiction projects supported by its Paradiso Incubator: Nights Mouth by Stephanie Ricci, Who Named the Earth? by Wara, and My Brother by Luciana Bezerra. Representing So Paulo, Cear, and Rio de Janeiro, these films reflect the Incubators mission: cinema that is formally daring, socially and politically engaged, and rooted in local contexts while designed to resonate globally.

The 2026 slate was officially announced at Ventana Sur on Wednesday, December 3, during the panel Project Development: Finding Time, Space, and Funding, led by Programs director Rachel do Valle, head of studies Paula Gastaud, and LatAm Cinema director Gerardo Michelin. Alongside this announcement, projects from the 2025 Incubator edition were also presented. The 2026 Incubator will provide R$450,000 ($83,000) in grants, consultancy, workshops, and international market access through the Paradiso Talent Network.

Since its 2019 launch, the Incubator has supported 27 projects, becoming a significant platform for emerging Brazilian filmmakers. Do Valle emphasized that the 2026 projects showcase diverse voices, aesthetics and territories, while Gastaud noted that the Incubator is a cornerstone in opening doors to the international market.

Nights Mouth: A Senior Heroines Journey

So Paulo-based filmmaker Stephanie Ricci directs Nights Mouth (Boca da Noite), produced by Ladaias Andr Bulascoschi, Pedro Formigoni, Rodrigo Lavorato, and Ricci. The story follows 70-year-old Areta, whose greatest fear is being forgotten. After losing her house keys in downtown So Paulo one night, she searches for a 24-hour locksmith and is swept into an absurd journey through the citys marginalized spaces, encountering solitary figures and unexpected adventures.

Ricci describes the film as a walking road movie in the heart of Latin Americas largest city, revealing enchantment in places and characters often feared or stigmatized. Nights Mouth has already garnered support from IndieLisboa Lab 2025, TIFF Directors Lab 2025, and the Hubert Bals Fund, and it continues Riccis trajectory of internationally recognized auteur-driven cinema through Ladaia.

Who Named the Earth?: Indigenous Futurism and Resistance

Debuting filmmaker Wara presents Who Named the Earth? (Quem deu nome terra?), produced by Camilla Lapa for Cear-based Ara Azul Produes. Set in a near-future Brazil where identity is monitored via a biometric system and race is institutionalized, the film follows non-binary Indigenous protagonist Hakan on a journey with their family to reclaim ancestral heritage and resist systemic oppression.

Wara emphasizes a creative approach deeply rooted in local communities and ancestral knowledge. The project has received support from Cear State Funding, Switzerlands Gwaertler Stiftung, and international labs including BrLab Features, TorinoFilmLab Next, and Cinlatino Toulouse. Brazilian producer Rachel Daisy Ellis of Desvia Filmes joins as co-producer, marking a new development phase aimed at global arthouse audiences.

My Brother: An Intimate Family Tale

Luciana Bezerras My Brother (Meu Irmo) is an animated feature exploring family dynamics in Rio de Janeiros Vidigal favela. Produced by Maria Fernanda Miguel for Favela dos Filmes, in co-production with Coqueiro Pictures, Dualto Produes, and Germanys Cinemanegro Filmproduktion, the film centers on Sofia, who navigates a family crisis triggered by her brothers gender transition.

The narrative examines love, acceptance, and resilience, portraying Sofia as a bridge between tradition and change. My Brother has been supported by selections at Frapa and Filmecine and aims to combine authentic Brazilian storytelling with universal emotional appeal, highlighting underrepresented voices while targeting global distribution and multi-platform release.

Projeto Paradisos 2026 Incubator continues to champion high-quality, socially engaged, and internationally viable cinema, reinforcing its role as a launchpad for Brazils emerging filmmakers.

Author: Harper Simmons