On a balmy Saturday evening in Los Angeles, the spotlight shifted from Hollywood’s usual fare to the evocative storytelling of Brazil, as Sean Penn, Julia Roberts, and John and Nancy Ross hosted an exclusive screening of “Manas,” the debut film by Marianna Brennand. With a guest list studded by Oscar winners and industry veterans, the event wasn’t just another stop on the awards circuit—it was a celebration of a film that has already begun to leave an indelible mark on international cinema.
“Manas” is no ordinary movie. Born from a decade of research in the depths of the Amazon, Brennand’s film tells the haunting yet hopeful story of Marcielle, a 13-year-old girl from Marajó Island. Silenced by a society that too often ignores violence against women and children, Marcielle’s journey is one of confronting generational wounds and ultimately reclaiming her destiny. The narrative, as described in a statement from the filmmakers, is one that “forever alters her family’s fate.”
According to Variety, the screening at the Ross residence carried an air of anticipation and reverence. Julia Roberts, who introduced the film alongside Sean Penn, captured the mood with a heartfelt admission to the audience: “I am so excited for what’s about to happen to everyone in this room because it happened to me and it will change you. This movie is life-affirming in such a sad and beautiful and magical way.”
Penn, serving as executive producer, echoed Roberts’ enthusiasm, recounting his first encounter with Brennand at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. “At the Cannes Film Festival this year, there was a Kering Foundation dinner, and a woman came up to the stage to accept the Emerging Talent Award. She gave a speech, and the authenticity of this person was the kind of power that could only make a great film,” Penn reflected, as reported by Variety.
The evening’s program didn’t end with the closing credits. Following the screening, attendees were treated to a candid Q&A session with Brennand herself, joined by the film’s star, Dira Paes. It was a moment for the creative minds behind “Manas” to share their journey and for the audience to gain insight into the film’s profound themes. Brennand, visibly moved by the occasion, expressed her gratitude: “Thank you, Sean, for seeing us, for recognizing the power of this story, and for speaking out… And Julia, thank you for empowering us with your presence here today. You both are immensely amplifying our voices.”
“Manas” is more than just a contender for Brazil’s submission to the 2026 Academy Awards—it is a film that has already garnered significant acclaim. The project has collected a remarkable 27 awards to date, including the coveted Best Director prize at Venice Days, the independent parallel section of the Venice Film Festival. This recognition is especially impressive for a debut feature, and it signals Brennand’s arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the world of international filmmaking.
The film’s journey to the Oscars is bolstered by a formidable team of executive producers. Alongside Penn, the list includes Academy Award winner Walter Salles, two-time Palme d’Or recipients Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, and “I’m Still Here” producer Maria Carlota Bruno. Their collective experience and stature in the industry have provided “Manas” with both credibility and a global platform.
Sean Penn’s involvement, in particular, speaks volumes about the film’s resonance. On his decision to join the project, Penn previously stated: “In the tradition last fulfilled by Walter Salles’s ‘I’m Still Here,’ Marianna Brennand’s film ‘Manas’ continues Brazil’s most enduring cinematic legacy. Films of striking social relevance that never fall to polemic or sensationalism, but instead so trustingly fulfill their characters’ plight and courage. ‘Manas’ is deeply emotional, stirring, and God forbid… important. I felt as if I had to put my skin back on after watching it.”
It’s a rare thing for a new filmmaker to attract such high-profile champions so early in her career. But Brennand’s background as a documentarian and her commitment to authentic storytelling set her apart. Ten years of immersive research in the Amazon informed every frame of “Manas,” lending the film a sense of place and truth that’s hard to manufacture. The result is a work that feels both intimate and epic, rooted in the specific struggles of its protagonist but resonating with universal themes of resilience and hope.
The competition to represent Brazil at the Oscars is fierce, with “Manas” standing as one of six shortlisted titles. Yet, the film’s momentum is undeniable, propelled not only by its awards haul but also by the passionate endorsements from Hollywood royalty. The Los Angeles screening, with its blend of glamour and gravitas, underscored the film’s ability to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries—a quality that often distinguishes Oscar contenders from the rest.
For attendees, the evening was more than just a cinematic experience; it was a call to empathy and action. Roberts’ words lingered in the air: “This movie is life-affirming in such a sad and beautiful and magical way.” The sentiment was echoed by many in the audience, who left the event visibly moved and deep in thought.
As the awards season heats up, “Manas” finds itself at the intersection of art and advocacy. Its story, while deeply rooted in the realities of the Amazon and the struggles of a single young girl, speaks to broader issues of justice, empowerment, and the enduring power of storytelling. The film’s success on the festival circuit and its embrace by figures like Penn and Roberts suggest that its impact is only beginning to be felt.
For Marianna Brennand and her collaborators, the journey is far from over. With the Oscar race looming and the world watching, “Manas” stands as a testament to the transformative potential of cinema—one that, in Roberts’ words, “will change you.”
