As published on Caderno B+

There is something particularly fitting about discussing cinema, identity, memory, and environmental preservation in Bonito. Surrounded by crystal-clear rivers, caves, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Brazil, the city in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul has long become synonymous with ecotourism. In recent years, however, Bonito has also been building another identity: that of an important gathering place for South American cinema.

Between July 24 and August 1, the city will host the fourth edition of Bonito CineSur – South American Film Festival, an event that continues to expand its relevance by bringing together productions from across the continent in a free program focused not only on film screenings but also on audience development, cultural exchange, and environmental discussions.

This year, I will have the opportunity to attend the festival in person while covering it for Caderno B+, the cultural section of Correio do Estado. It will be my first time visiting Bonito and my first direct experience with an event that has been steadily establishing itself as one of the most interesting initiatives on Brazil’s audiovisual calendar.

The 2026 edition will feature 32 selected productions competing across categories dedicated to South American feature films, short films, environmental cinema, and works produced in Mato Grosso do Sul. The lineup includes films from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela, as well as co-productions involving several European countries.

This year’s honoree will be Chilean actress Paulina García, one of the most respected performers in contemporary Latin American cinema. Winner of the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival for Gloria, García has built a career defined by complex and deeply human characters across film, television, and theater. Beloved Tropic (Querido Trópico), in which she stars, has been selected as the festival’s opening film.

The feature film competition includes some of the most intriguing titles in this year’s program. Among them are the Brazilian drama A Vida de Cada Um (Each One’s Life), directed by Murilo Salles; the Peruvian film Naira, by Gabriela Quiroz; and ¿Quién Mató a Narciso? (Who Killed Narciso?), The latest work from Paraguayan filmmaker Marcelo Martinessi, internationally known for The Heiresses. Together, these films explore themes such as memory, family relationships, political violence, displacement, and social conflict, reflecting concerns shared across many countries in the region.

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Bonito CineSur, however, is the way environmental discussions are woven into the festival’s identity. While many film festivals dedicate a section to nature or sustainability-related works, in Bonito, those conversations seem to emerge naturally from the territory itself.

The environmental competitions feature films addressing mining, water preservation, climate impacts, territorial disputes, and Indigenous knowledge. Highlights include Mundurukuyü – The Forest of the Fish-Women, inspired by Munduruku cosmology along the Tapajós River, and An Inquisitive Gaze: The Cinema of Jorge Bodanzky, which revisits the career of one of Brazil’s most important documentary filmmakers and his longstanding relationship with the Amazon.

Another significant aspect of the festival is its commitment to audiovisual production from Mato Grosso do Sul. Rather than serving solely as a showcase for national and international films, Bonito CineSur also functions as a platform for regional filmmakers, reinforcing cinema’s role as a driver of local cultural and economic development.

Beyond screenings, the festival offers workshops, lectures, panel discussions, and educational activities designed for students, expanding access to audiovisual training and helping new audiences engage with South American cinema.

At a time when Latin American films still face considerable challenges in reaching audiences across the continent itself, festivals such as Bonito CineSur fulfill a role that extends far beyond exhibition. They help create connections between film industries that often find themselves looking toward Europe or the United States rather than toward one another.

Perhaps that is why this gathering feels so at home in Bonito. In a city celebrated for the richness of its natural landscapes, the festival invites audiences to explore another kind of heritage: the stories, conflicts, dreams, and identities that shape contemporary South America.

Over the coming months, I will be sharing more about the experience here. After all, few combinations seem more appealing for anyone who loves culture than cinema, nature, and an entire week devoted to discovering new stories.