Netflix Names Independent Brazilian Drama ‘Talismã’ Winner of the 4th Netflix Award at 50th São Paulo International Film Festival

Independent Brazilian feature film Talismã, directed by Thais Fujinaga, has been named the winner of the fourth annual Netflix Award at the closing night of the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival. Following its victory, Netflix secured worldwide licensing rights for the drama, bringing the story to audiences across 190 countries. The acquisition highlights Netflix’s continued support for regional Latin American cinema produced outside the traditional Rio-São Paulo axis.

RMN Stars Film Festivals Desk
New Delhi | November 3, 2026

SÃO PAULO — On the closing night of the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival (Mostra de SP), streaming service Netflix announced the independent Brazilian feature film Talismã as the winner of the fourth Netflix Award. As part of the honor, Netflix will license the motion picture for worldwide streaming, making it available to subscribers in 190 countries.

A Delicate Exploration of Motherhood and Family Bonds

Directed by Thais Fujinaga, Talismã focuses on the emotional realities of single motherhood. Fujinaga co-wrote the screenplay alongside lead actress Fernanda Chicolet. The project was produced by Vulcana Filmes, in co-production with Vitrine Filmes and Syndrome Films.

Filmed on location in the Southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, the narrative follows a dance teacher whose daily domestic routine is upended when her young daughter is chosen to participate in a televised national children’s talent show. The story examines the interplay of parental expectations, personal frustrations, and life-defining family decisions.

Global Distribution and Executive Recognition

The film’s sensitive portrayal of domestic relationships earned praise from streaming executives during the festival’s closing ceremony.

“Talismã won us over with its truth on screen and for portraying family bonds and motherhood with such delicacy and power,” said Barbara Adams, Head of Licensing at Netflix Brazil. “Bringing such an authentic story to a global audience reflects the exact purpose of this award.”

For director Thais Fujinaga, the global streaming release represents a major milestone for regional Brazilian storytelling.

“It never crossed my mind that this film, made independently and outside the Rio-São Paulo axis, could reach 190 countries,” Fujinaga stated. “Long live Mostra de SP and Latin American cinema!”

The Role of the Netflix Award at Mostra de SP

Established in 2023, the Netflix Award was created to support Brazilian feature films screening at the São Paulo International Film Festival that have not yet secured a commercial streaming distribution window. The award jury for the 50th edition comprised Barbara Adams, film executive Eliane Vidal, and journalist Flávia Guerra.

Talismã joins a growing roster of critically acclaimed Brazilian films recognized by the program:

• First Edition: Bittersweet Rain, directed by Haroldo Borges and set in Bahia, which was dubbed into 10 languages, subtitled in 32, and distributed across Europe and Asia.
• Second Edition (2024): Soul’s Peak, directed by Lírio Ferreira and set in the Pernambuco backlands, currently streaming globally on Netflix.
• Third Edition: Virtuous Women, directed by Cíntia Domit Bittar in Santa Catarina, which will arrive on Netflix following its theatrical run.

With its upcoming premiere on Netflix, Talismã expands the international footprint of independent Brazilian cinema while connecting worldwide viewers with authentic regional narratives.