By Julia Melim

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Brazil has long attracted production companies, directors, and film crews from around the world thanks to its striking landscapes, cultural diversity, and strong film industry infrastructure. From the lush Amazon rainforest to the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro and the cosmopolitan feel of São Paulo, Brazil offers cinematic backdrops unlike anywhere else.

Hollywood Meets Brazil

International blockbusters have often chosen Brazil as a filming destination. Scenes from The Incredible Hulk (2008) were shot in Rio’s iconic Lapa neighborhood, while Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull showcased the Amazon. Later, Fast & Furious 5 (2011) used Rio as its central stage, introducing Brazilian skylines and favelas to millions worldwide. Even Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) drew visual inspiration from Afro-Brazilian culture and mythology, reflecting how Brazil continues to influence Hollywood storytelling.

Brazil has also been a setting for music history. Michael Jackson filmed They Don’t Care About Us with the percussion group Olodum in Salvador, celebrating Bahian rhythms and the soul of Rio’s favelas. Snoop Dogg and Pharrell’s Beautiful immortalized Rio’s Sugarloaf, Copacabana, and Parque Lage, while highlighting the city’s vibrant street culture.

Beyond Beaches and Samba

While many know Brazil for beaches, carnival, and soccer, producers are often surprised by its versatility. “I was amazed at how certain sections of São Paulo resembled New York City while others resembled Los Angeles,” said producer Eric Eason. “This is extremely advantageous for film production since the currency exchange is favorable.” Brazil offers everything from colonial towns with European architecture to modern megacities, making it possible to replicate multiple “worlds” in a single country.

Infrastructure and Talent

Scenes from the film Central Station, by Walter Salles

Scenes from the film Central Station, by Walter Salles

Today, Brazil is no longer just a location—it is a hub for high-quality production. Local companies like O2 Filmes, Globo Filmes, Conspiração, and VideoFilmes handle projects ranging from Hollywood features to Netflix originals. The country boasts skilled crews, advanced post-production facilities, and a pool of diverse actors for background and leading roles.

Directors such as Fernando Meirelles (City of God, The Constant Gardener), Walter Salles (Central Station, The Motorcycle Diaries), and José Padilha (Elite Squad, Narcos) have moved from Brazil’s film scene to Hollywood, proving the global impact of Brazilian cinema.

Brazilian Cinema in the Streaming Era

With platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Globoplay, Brazilian productions are now reaching global audiences faster than ever. Series like 3%, Sintonia, and films such as Bacurau (Jury Prize at Cannes 2019) and Aquarius (2016) showcase a bold, creative wave of Brazilian cinema. These works highlight the country’s social complexities while gaining worldwide acclaim.

Brazilian film festivals in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, as well as European showcases in Lisbon, Berlin, and Paris, continue to strengthen the global reach of Brazilian storytelling.

Cultural Legacy and Future

As former Consul General of Brazil in Los Angeles, Thereza Maria Machado Quintella, once said: “The acclaimed revival of the Brazilian cinema with its talented, creative and bold filmmakers reflects a new phase of intellectual and artistic movement in which Brazilians are recovering their self-esteem and creating a dialogue with other cultures.”

From exotic backdrops to cutting-edge film infrastructure, Brazil has moved beyond being “just a location.” Today, it stands as both a production powerhouse and a cultural exporter – proving that Brazilian cinema is not only alive but thriving.

Scenes from the film Cine Holliudy, with Edmilson Filho

Scenes from the film Cine Holliudy, with Edmilson Filho

Festival of Cinema in U.S. Usually Featuring Brazilian Films


* Julia Melim is a Brazilian actress, TV host/reporter and writer. She lives between Rio, Los Angeles, New York and Miami. She is a long-time Soul Brasil contributor writer – www.juliamelim.com

FAQ – Frequent Ask Questions

What Hollywood movies were filmed in Brazil?
A few famous examples include The Incredible Hulk (2008), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), and Fast & Furious 5 (2011), all of which feature Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon.

Which Brazilian movies are most recognized internationally?
City of God (2002), Central Station (1998), Elite Squad (2007), Aquarius (2016), and Bacurau (2019) are among the most acclaimed Brazilian films worldwide.

Why do filmmakers choose Brazil for shooting?
Brazil offers diverse landscapes, favorable exchange rates, highly skilled crews, and advanced production facilities. São Paulo can double as New York, Rio offers unique tropical settings, and the country’s cultural richness adds authenticity to any story.

What streaming hits showcase Brazilian talent?
Netflix’s 3% was the first Brazilian original series with global success, followed by Sintonia and films like Bacurau that reached international audiences.

Are there Brazilian film festivals abroad?
Yes. Cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Berlin, and Lisbon host Brazilian film festivals, bringing the country’s cinema to international audiences and supporting new filmmakers.