From October 15 to 29, the festival presents productions from different countries, featuring dramas, thrillers and documentaries that explore contemporary themes
Submitted at Oct 20, 2026, 4:00 PM
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
In its 50th edition, the São Paulo International Film Festival reaffirms the capital's role as a meeting point for different narratives. From October 15 to 29, 2026, the festival presents 380 titles from 93 countries, distributed across cinemas, cultural centers, and other venues throughout the city.
Among award-winning works from international festivals, national productions, and documentaries dedicated to music, the program invites the public to discover new perspectives. For those wishing to enjoy the 50th festival, we have selected seven films that deserve a place on the cultural itinerary.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
Winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes, the drama follows a Romanian-Norwegian couple who settle in a small community by a fjord. Their coexistence with the neighbors begins cordially, but differences in child-rearing and suspicions involving a teenager shake the apparent tranquility. It is a recommendation for those who appreciate cinema that questions family, values, and collective judgments without offering easy answers.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
With Robert Pattinson in the role of journalist Chris Hansen, the thriller revisits an American television program that exposed suspects of sexual crimes in front of the cameras. Set in 2006, the story investigates the boundary between public denunciation and spectacle. The film's interest lies precisely in this discomfort: how far can the pursuit of ratings turn information into entertainment?
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
Chosen as one of the opening films of the Festival, the feature brings together Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller. The plot follows two brothers whose paths cross in a business opportunity linked to the Russian mafia. Between ambition and loyalty, director James Gray revisits the contradictions of the American dream in a family drama crossed by suspense, ideal for those who enjoy moral conflicts.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
After years away from feature films, the South Korean director of Burning returns with a story of desire and social inequality. The encounter between couples from different economic realities destabilizes the routine of Mi-ok, who begins to question her own choices. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Venice, the film is a good bet for viewers interested in the subtleties of human relationships.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
With Conceição Evaristo in the cast, the Brazilian production follows the story of Gilberto and Jacira, a couple who built a life in Contagem, Minas Gerais. Decades later, Jacira's hospitalization triggers strange events that blur time, memory, and affection. By bringing everyday life closer to the unexpected, the director creates a sensitive portrait of love, aging, and permanence.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
The documentary follows Ney Matogrossoduring preparations for an Imperatriz Leopoldinense parade. Between rehearsals and conversations, the camera moves closer to the artist to reveal reflections on identity, freedom, and the passage of time. More than documenting Carnival's backstage, the film offers an opportunity to get to know the man behind the public figure and his relationship with his own story.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
For those who enjoy Brazilian music, the documentary revisits the creation of Tribalistas, a project by Marisa Monte, Arnaldo Antunes, and Carlinhos Brown. Archive footage and recordings from the 2018-2019 tour help tell the story of how the partnership came together. The approach highlights not only the trio's hits but also the creative processes and encounters that made these songs possible.
Screenings take place across different areas of São Paulo, including traditional theaters, cultural venues, and free sessions. Since dates, locations, and ticket availability vary by title, it's worth checking the updated schedule on the official Mostra website before planning your outing.
This text was developed with the help of CASACOR Publisher, an exclusive content agent developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. The generated content was subsequently edited by Yeska Coelho.
