Brazil's Oscar-winning film, "I'm Still Here," officially premieres in the United Arab Emirates.
In the heart of Dubai, a historic moment took place this weekend as "I'm Still Here," the first-ever Oscar-winning film from Brazil, roared onto the screens at Cinema Akil. This groundbreaking event marked the debut of a Brazilian feature film in the UAE, sweeping aside a blank canvas for future cross-cultural cinematic collaborations.
Driven by Dubai resident and Brazilian actress Sabrina Petraglia, the screening attracted a crowd of around 130 enthusiasts, including UAE and Brazilian dignitaries, diplomats, filmmakers, artists, and members of the expat Brazilian community. The event unfolded in Alserkal Avenue's indie cinema, promising an evening of shared storytelling.
Pop culture icon Fernanda Torres, whose award-winning performance in the film has made headlines, addressed the audience via a heartfelt video message. Torres, who starred in "I'm Still Here" and won the Golden Globe this year, expressed her pride in bringing the film to Dubai and applauding director Walter Salles for his work on the movie.
Blending artistry and diplomacy, the evening represented more than watching a film. It signified Sabrina Petraglia's relentless efforts in fostering cultural connections between Brazil and the UAE. Since relocating to Dubai in 2023, Petraglia has left an indelible impression on the arts scene in the region.
A celebrated figure, Petraglia previously screened her short film "Mar de Mães" in the UAE and discovered that no Brazilian films had been officially shown there before. Inspired to create change, Petraglia set out to connect with people, building bridges with Sony, Empire, and friends who contributed to the film.
Ambassador Sidney Leon Romeiro from the Embassy of Brazil in the UAE praised Petraglia for her support of Brazil's creative presence in the region during a post-screening reception. With the event serving as a stepping stone, future cultural and cinematic partnerships between Latin America and the Arab world are expected to flourish, bolstered by the support of companies like Ambipar.
As "I'm Still Here" screened at Cinema Akil throughout June, UAE residents from diverse backgrounds will be given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the moving power, emotion, and universal resonance of Brazilian storytelling. This watershed moment sets the stage for further chapters in the shared arts journey between Brazil and the UAE.
- The success of "I'm Still Here" in Dubai's Cinema Akil has opened up possibilities for future collaborations in both the entertainment and finance sectors between Brazil and the UAE.
- The event, marked by Sabrina Petraglia's relentless efforts, has not only brought Brazillian lifestyle and arts to the forefront in the UAE but also paved the way for the introduction of Brazilian finance and investments in the region.
- With the ever-growing influence of movies and TV in shaping public opinion, this historic screening of "I'm Still Here" has the potential to foster new and strengthen existing economic ties between Brazil and the UAE in the realm of entertainment and lifestyle.
- As this significant event unfolds, the shared interest in movies, health, and wellness could lead to groundbreaking cross-cultural collaborations between Brazilian and UAE-based companies within the entertainment and lifestyle industries.
