Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — The 2026 edition of the Rio International Film Festival will highlight China as its country of focus, marking the occasion with a prominent role in the 2026 China-Brazil Cultural Year, as announced by Walkiria Barbosa, the festival's executive director and international marketing head.
This decision follows a bilateral announcement in November 2024, during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Brazil. The Cultural Year will feature an extensive cultural exchange program, currently under development.
China holds the title of the world's largest film market, and Rio Fest intends to showcase major Chinese production companies, streamers, and exhibitors in 2026. The festival plans to host a large-scale business meeting and a screening of Chinese films. Barbosa emphasized, 'Our goal is to bring the best of Chinese cinema to the event and foster collaborations with key industry players.'
In a preview of what’s to come, the China Media Group (CMG) hosted a presentation on October 3 at RioMarket, the business arm of the festival. The event featured Zhu Boying, CMG’s Latin American bureau chief, and Tian Min, the Chinese Consul in Rio de Janeiro.
The highlight of the presentation was the premiere of Shenzhou 13, China’s first 8K film shot in space. Released in Chinese theaters on September 5, 2025, this documentary-style film chronicles the experiences of astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping, and Ye Guangfu during their 183-day mission aboard the Shenzhou-13 spacecraft, launched on October 16, 2021. The astronauts' journey set a new Chinese record for the longest continuous spaceflight. Filmed with ultra-high-definition 8K cameras, the footage offers breathtaking views of space, along with intimate glimpses of daily life in orbit. Much of the cinematography was captured by the astronauts themselves, with Wang’s perspective guiding the narrative.
Meanwhile, a major Brazil-China co-production is underway, a collaboration between Rio-based LC Barreto and CMG's subsidiary, CCTV Animation. This partnership has led to the development of Hoho & The Tropical Sound Clash, a 3D animated series aimed at young children. The series follows Panda HoHo, a well-loved character in Chinese media, as he teams up with Brazilian animals—a Golden Lion Tamarin and a Capybara—to explore Brazil’s diverse ecosystems. Through exciting adventures, the characters learn about environmental preservation and teamwork. The first season is set to debut in late 2026 on TV Cultura in Brazil and CCTV Animation in China.
Another project in the pipeline is Amazonika – The Origin, a 3D animated feature that explores the Amazon Rainforest, blending Brazilian and Asian cultural elements. Panda HoHo will join Zo, a young man who can communicate with nature, and Nika, a fierce princess, on a quest to restore harmony to the world. To ensure authenticity, the project includes guidance from Indigenous Brazilian consultants, Benki Piyãko and Zezinho Yube, who are experts in the Asháninka and Huni Kuin cultures, respectively.
