The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) has opened registrations until March 31 for its edition running June 12-21, 2026, in China, expanding opportunities for Brazilian audiovisual production in Asia's largest film market. The festival, which combines competitive screenings with a professional film and television market, represents one of the most important showcases for filmmakers seeking to expand the international circulation of their work.
Registrations are made exclusively through the festival's official portal, with most categories exempt from fees — only short films carry a registration charge. The SIFF accepts feature films, documentaries, animations, and shorts in various formats. Competitive sections prioritize world or international premieres, while non-competitive sections have no premiere requirements. Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles for participation.
Beyond screenings, the festival includes a Film & TV Market encompassing industry forums, development-stage project presentations, and professional networking opportunities. These activities provide visibility and facilitate commercial and creative partnerships for filmmakers, producers, and distributors worldwide. For Brazil, the Chinese market represents still-underexploited potential, with a population of 1.4 billion and over 80,000 operating cinema screens.
Brazil has a history of participation in the festival with productions such as "Pacarrete" (2019), "Pelé" (2023), "Saudade Fez Morada Aqui Dentro" (2023), and "Phantom Portraits" (2024) by Kleber Mendonça Filho. Brazilian participation in previous editions has resulted in distribution agreements and co-productions that expanded national cinema's reach in the Asian market.
Cinematographic cooperation between Brazil and China gained new momentum in 2024, when the two countries signed memorandums of understanding strengthening audiovisual sector relations. The agreements focus on co-productions, cultural diversity promotion, and professional exchange, with partnerships established with China's Film Archive and National Film Administration.
Brazilian cinema's internationalization strategy fits within a broader context of the country's cultural projection. After serving as Country of Honor at the Cannes Film Festival's Marché du Film in 2025, Brazil is consolidating its presence on major international circuits. Participation in BRICS cinema initiatives and audiovisual programs of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) complements bilateral engagement with China, creating a diversified network of opportunities for Brazilian producers and directors.
The Ministry of Culture encourages Brazilian filmmakers to submit their registrations before the March 31 deadline, emphasizing that presence at major international festivals is fundamental for building a sustainable filmmaking career and strengthening Brazil's image as a global creative hub.