Rio2C 2026 unveils Brazil's top filmmakers and storytellers in star-studded lineup
Rio2C 2026 has announced its lineup of leading figures from Brazil’s creative industries. The event will bring together filmmakers, animators, and producers to discuss storytelling, audience engagement, and the challenges of modern media. Among the speakers are award-winning directors and rising talents with diverse projects in film and television.
Wagner de Assis, known for his work in Spiritist cinema, will lead a session titled Faith Moves Mountains and Engages Audiences. His films Nosso Lar and Nosso Lar 2 became major box office hits in Brazil. With ten features under his belt, he is now developing three new projects: Nosso Lar 3 for Disney, Emmanuel for Imagem, and another untitled feature.
Esmir Filho, another confirmed speaker, made his directorial debut with *Os Famosos e os Duendes da Morte*, a coming-of-age story about a teenager obsessed with attending a Bob Dylan concert. His latest work is *Atenção para o Refrão*, a docuseries exploring the iconic refrains of Brazilian music. The *How to Create for Distracted Minds* panel will examine how multi-screen habits shape storytelling. Meanwhile, Carlos Saldanha, the director behind *Ice Age* and *Rio*, will join explorer Amyr Klink for a discussion on the metaphor of the 'personal ocean'. Other notable participants include journalist Caco Barcellos, screenwriter Thalita Rebouças, producer Ricardo Calil, and filmmaker João Vicente de Castro.
Rio2C 2026 will showcase the breadth of Brazil’s creative talent, from established names to emerging voices. The event’s sessions will cover faith-based cinema, digital-age storytelling, and the intersection of art and technology. Organisers expect lively exchanges on how to captivate audiences in an era of constant distraction.
