The Embassy of Brazil in Beirut and Guimarães Rosa Institute - Beirut, in partnership with Metropolis Cinema Association, are pleased to convene the 8th Brazilian Film Festival, set to take place from June 16 to June 20, 2026 at Metropolis Cinema. Through the power of cinema, the festival brings audiences together, despite challenging circumstances, to discover the diversity of contemporary Brazilian storytelling. This year’s edition brings together a vibrant selection of contemporary Brazilian cinema, showcasing some of the country’s most acclaimed recent productions alongside a landmark classic. 

In the gripping adaptation of Paulo Lins' novel, 'City of God' explores the life in the Rio de Janeiro favela of the same name from the 1960s to the 1980s. Through the eyes of Rocket

(Alexandre Rodrigues), an aspiring photographer, the film depicts his attempts to avoid the prevalent violence and crime. He aspires for a better life, dreaming of winning over Angélica (Alicia Braga). His life contrasts with L’il Zé (Leandro Firmino), who rises to become a ruthless crime lord alongside his friend the much loved Bené (Phellipe Haagensen). The tension escalates when Knockout Ned (singer / actor Seu Jorge) seeking vengeance appears, leading to a fierce gang showdown.

Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the film's raw performances, especially by non-actors from the favelas, and César Charlone's dynamic cinematography vividly capture the chaos of the favela. The editing by Daniel Rezende, along with a vibrant soundtrack, contributes to the film's intense pace.

Critically acclaimed, 'City of God' stands as a cinematic triumph, ranked #25 Best Film of all time on IMDB and with a 97% FRESH rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in 2002, it received four Academy Award nominations, marking Meirelles' emergence as a notable director and revitalizing Brazilian cinema.

Festival de Cannes 2002: Official Selection - Out of Competition

Academy Award Nominations 2004: Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Directing and Film Editing

Golden Globe Nomination 2003: Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language

Toronto International Film Festival 2002: Winner of the Visions Award - Special Citation

Genre: Drama, Crime