Brasília Cinema Festival confirmed after funding reversal

The 59th edition of the Festival de Brasília do Cinema Brasileiro has been confirmed following a brief period of uncertainty regarding its cancellation. The Distrito Federal government initially signaled that the event, scheduled for September 11 to 19, would not take place due to a lack of available funds.

Following significant backlash from the audiovisual community and industry professionals, Governor Celina Leão reversed the decision. She ordered the Secretariat of Economy to provide the necessary resources, with R$ 2.77 million being allocated to organize the festival.

The impasse was linked to broader budgetary concerns in the Distrito Federal, including financial difficulties involving the Banco de Brasília (BRB). The festival, which is the oldest in Brazil and a recognized intangible cultural heritage of the region, had received a record 1,928 film entries for this edition. Artistic director Eduardo Valente had previously expressed concern over the future of the event, calling for unity within the cinema sector to preserve the historic institution.