Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rio Film Festival Breaks Records, Cementing City's Status as Cinema Capital
Rio Film Festival Breaks Records, Cementing City's Status as Cinema Capital
2 Oct
Summary
- Rio surpassed Paris and Mexico City in filming days in 2023
- Rio hosted a record 8,782 filming days in 2024, including 27 international productions
- Rio's cash rebate system key to attracting productions
As of October 2nd, 2025, Rio de Janeiro's film industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, cementing the city's status as the cinema capital of Latin America. The Rio International Film Festival, which opens on this date, is a testament to the city's thriving audiovisual sector.
According to Rio's Mayor Eduardo Paes, the city has become one of the most popular filming destinations globally. In 2023, Rio surpassed Paris and Mexico City in the number of shoot days, and in 2024, the city hosted a record 8,782 filming days across 505 productions, including 27 international projects that accounted for 748 days of filming—a 100% increase from the previous year.
The mayor credits the cash rebate system implemented by his administration in 2022 as a key factor in attracting productions to Rio. The system offers producers a discount of up to 35% on eligible local spending, making the city an attractive option for both Brazilian and foreign filmmakers.
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The Rio International Film Festival, now in its 27th edition, further strengthens the city's position as a global hub for the film and TV industry. The festival's program features an impressive lineup of 186 films from 74 countries, including 16 submissions for the International Feature Film Oscar. The event will also host 120 distinguished guests, including French cinema superstar Juliette Binoche, who will present her directorial debut and celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and France.
