The NBFF will showcase productions from 32 countries, including Brazil
The 26th Newport Beach Film Festival or NBFF will spotlight the Southern California premiere of Brazilian film “The Secret Agent” (O Agente Secreto), by director Kleber Mendoça Filho, featuring Wagner Moura, Maria Fernanda Candido and Gabriel Leone, followed by a Gala celebration of latino film, food and culture on Monday, October 20, 2025. The already traditional Brazilian Spotlight is part of the International Showcase that also features films from Australia, Germany, Swiss, Italy, and Mexico, among others.
The Brazilian film is setting in Recife, Brazil, in 1977, during the height of the military dictatorship. The Secret Agent follows Marcelo (Wagner Moura), a technology expert who seeks refuge and reunites with his son during Carnival in Recife, only to find the city is more violent and dangerous than expected. The film, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, blends historical context with thrilling mystery as Marcelo becomes entangled in the oppressive atmosphere of Brazil’s military dictatorship and joins an underground resistance movement.
“The Festival is exceptionally proud to showcase such strong Brazilian cinema,” stated Gregg Schwenk, CEO of the Newport Beach Film Festival. “We look forward to presenting compelling contemporary works of Brazilian filmmakers and hosting a sensational event that celebrates Brazilian art and culture.”
“The Secret Agent” by Kleber Mendonça Filho, starring Wagner Moura, will be featured at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
The Brazilian Spotlight film screen is schedule to be at 6:45pm on Monday, October 20, 2024 at The Starlight Triangle Theater, located at 1870 Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa, CA 92627. The post-screening celebration will take place starting at 9:30pm at Time Nightclub, located at 1875 Newport Blvd. B245 Costa Mesa, CA 92627. The AFTER PARTY will include several of Orange County’s top restaurants serving signature tastings and drinks, and much fun with multiple DJs and live entertainment!
The admission to the Latino / Brazilian Spotlight is $30 (only the screening film) and $60 (screening and afterparty). The Newport Beach Film Festival Brazilian Spotlight is supported by Soul Brasil Media, Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Brazil California Chamber of Commerce, and Consulate-General of Brazil in Los Angeles. To go directly to the Brazilian Spotlight 2025 page click HERE.
Celebrated as one of the leading lifestyle film festivals in the United States, the Newport Beach Film Festival seeks to bring to Orange County the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world. The 26th annual Newport Beach Film Festival will screen more than 100 feature films and 250 shorts hailing from 32 countries during its run from Oct. 16-23. The NBFF is sponsored in part by UCI Health, Los Angeles Times, The Envelope, KIA, Fashion Island, and the City of Newport Beach. Go HERE to check the official website.
You can find more info using the #nbffbrazilian on social media. If you don’t know, we have also this event as well as others Brazilian events (and a guide to free events in SoCall) in our CALENDAR page, a great resource for you to find interesting activities, parties, and festivals in Southern California.
About this Event:
The 26th Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF 2025) celebrates Brazilian culture with the U.S. premiere of The Secret Agent (O Agente Secreto) by Kleber Mendonça Filho, starring Wagner Moura, Maria Fernanda Cândido, and Gabriel Leone. The film screens on Oct. 20 at The Starlight Triangle Cinemas in Costa Mesa, followed by a lively afterparty at Time Nightclub featuring Brazilian food, music, and entertainment. Supported by Soul Brasil, Brazil-California Chamber of Commerce, and the Consulate-General of Brazil in L.A.
Actress and Entrepreneur Amanda Peter with Master Sambista Jonia Queen
FAQ – Frequent Ask Questions
What Brazilian movie will be featured at the Newport Beach Film Festival 2025?
The 26th NBFF will feature The Secret Agent (O Agente Secreto), directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and starring Wagner Moura, Maria Fernanda Cândido, and Gabriel Leone. The film explores life in Recife during Brazil’s 1977 military dictatorship.
When and where is the Brazilian Spotlight film screening?
The Brazilian Spotlight screening will take place at 6.45 PM on Monday, October 20, 2025, at The Starlight Triangle Theater, located at 1870 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Where is the afterparty for the Brazilian Spotlight at NBFF 2025?
The lively afterparty will start at 9:30 PM at Time Nightclub, located at 1875 Newport Blvd., Suite B245, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 — just across from the theater. Expect top Orange County restaurants, DJs, live music, and Latino and Brazilian vibes.
How much are the tickets for the Brazilian Spotlight film and afterparty?
Tickets cost $30 (only the screening film) and $60 (screening and afterparty). Attendees can enjoy Brazilian cinema, food, and music — all part of the Latino and Brazilian Gala celebration.
Who supports and sponsors the Brazilian Spotlight at NBFF 2025?
The event is supported by Soul Brasil magazine, Brazil-California Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Consulate-General of Brazil in Los Angeles, among others.
