Brazil's Vision: Leveraging Audiovisuals to Boost Global Tourism

by : Roger Ebert
Brazil's national tourism agency, Embratur, is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to global tourism promotion. By harnessing the captivating power of film, television, and online gaming, the organization aims to attract a new wave of international visitors, showcasing the nation's rich tapestry of culture and breathtaking landscapes. This strategic pivot acknowledges the significant influence of visual media on travel choices, moving beyond traditional marketing to create an immersive and authentic portrayal of Brazil.

Experience Brazil: Where Every Frame Tells a Story, and Every Game Invites an Adventure.

The Strategic Framework: An Eight-Point Plan for Audiovisual Tourism

Embratur is implementing a comprehensive eight-pronged strategy to transform Brazil into a premier destination for film, TV, and gaming enthusiasts. This initiative is founded on the understanding that cinematic and digital narratives profoundly shape travel aspirations, with studies indicating that millions worldwide select their vacation spots based on media exposure. This ambitious plan seeks to elevate Brazil's global presence by intertwining its vibrant culture with the burgeoning audiovisual industry.

The Power of Screen Tourism: From Iconic Cities to Hidden Gems

The impact of screen tourism is undeniable, as evidenced by locations like Dubrovnik, Croatia, which has seen a surge in visitors drawn by its depiction in popular series. Similarly, Brazil has a rich cinematic history, from classic films like 'Black Orpheus' to contemporary works like 'City of God,' which have captivated global audiences. Embratur's strategy aims to capitalize on this, not only by highlighting iconic cities such as Rio de Janeiro but also by diverting attention to lesser-known, equally compelling regions, like Recife, brought into the spotlight by acclaimed films such as 'The Secret Agent.'

Cultivating Audiovisual Partnerships: A New Era for Brazilian Tourism

For the first time in its six-decade history, Embratur is forging strong alliances with the audiovisual sector. This collaboration involves the federal government, film commissions, non-profit organizations, film festivals, producers, and sales agents. The goal is to develop a robust portfolio of projects that integrate cultural narratives with tourism promotion, fostering a synergistic relationship that benefits both industries. This collaborative effort is designed to enhance Brazil's international visibility and drive sustainable development in tourism and the creative economy.

Screen Brasil: Empowering Brazilian Cinema on the Global Stage

A key component of this strategy is Screen Brasil, an initiative launched in partnership with Projeto Paradiso. This program supports Brazilian cinematic productions by selecting promising projects and their sales agents, providing financial aid for distribution, promotion, and marketing. With updated application rounds and extended release windows, Screen Brasil aims to strengthen the presence of Brazilian films in international festivals and markets, amplifying the country's cultural voice.

HBF+Brazil: Nurturing Emerging Talent in Fiction Filmmaking

In collaboration with the Rotterdam Film Festival's Hubert Bals Fund, Projeto Paradiso, RioFilme, and Spcine, Embratur supports emerging Brazilian filmmakers through the HBF+Brazil alliance. This initiative offers grants for the early development of second or third feature films, primarily from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Through panel discussions at prestigious events like the Marché du Film in Cannes, the program facilitates networking and collaboration, nurturing the next generation of Brazilian cinematic storytellers.

Brasil com S: Discovering New Voices in Short Film Production

Embratur’s “Brasil com S” short film initiative, now in its third year, is a vital platform for discovering new talent and boosting national film production. It supports five short films annually across various genres, offering mentorship in production, directing, and screenwriting. These films premiere at national festivals before being showcased internationally, demonstrating Embratur’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse film industry.

Showcasing Brazil: Support for National and International Film Festivals

Through strategic sponsorships, Embratur actively supports film festivals both within Brazil and abroad. These partnerships leverage cinema as a powerful tool to bridge audiovisual storytelling with tourism. By backing major events like the São Paulo International Film Festival and the Brazilian Film Festival of Paris, Embratur ensures that Brazil's cinematic achievements and cultural narratives reach a global audience, inspiring travel and engagement.

Netflix Partnership: Virtual Guides to Brazilian Wonders

Inspired by successful campaigns in other countries, Embratur has partnered with Netflix to create virtual travel guides tied to popular Netflix titles. These guides feature itineraries and experiences that highlight Brazil's diverse destinations and rich culture. This innovative collaboration aims to showcase Brazil organically, allowing viewers to discover authentic stories and places that inspire real-world journeys.

Digital Gaming: Immersing Younger Audiences in Brazilian Culture

Recognizing the immense influence of digital games on younger audiences, Embratur launched the “Brasil Tá Pra Game” Award. This initiative, in partnership with the Brazilian Game Developers Association, encourages the creation of original games that showcase Brazilian culture, stories, characters, and landscapes. By presenting winning titles at international events like Gamescom Cologne, Embratur aims to promote Brazil's vibrant culture within the gaming community.

Cria Brasil Award: Engaging Digital Creators for Tourism Promotion

To reach new and younger demographics, Embratur has established the Cria Brasil Award in collaboration with YouTube. This initiative funds original short-form video projects by digital creators, focusing on showcasing Brazil as a diverse, sustainable, and innovative tourism destination. The goal is to generate highly engaging content that expands Brazil's representation across online video platforms and strengthens its global digital presence.

Establishing the Federal Film Commission: A Vision for National Policy

Embratur is a key participant in the technical work group developing the Federal Film Commission. This commission, involving six ministries and a network of 30 local film commissions, aims to establish federal incentives that attract international productions and encourage projects across Brazil's diverse regions. While governmental processes can be slow, this initiative represents a significant step towards a national public policy that will profoundly impact Brazil's audiovisual industry and tourism sector.