Brazilian festivals focus on children's media and play

Various cultural festivals in Brazil are focusing on the development and well-being of children through media education and physical play.

In São Paulo, the Festival comKids 2026 will take place from August 14 to 19. This free event gathers international and national specialists to discuss the future of audiovisual, digital, and interactive production for children and adolescents. Key themes include media education, streaming, games, and the digital rights of children. The festival features the Audiovisual Seminar, offering masterclasses and workshops, and the Impulse Zone, which supports the development of youth-oriented projects. Notable international participant Jan-Willem Bult will lead a masterclass on documentary filmmaking involving children.

In Belo Horizonte, the Aldeia Curadoria Festival de Arte e Brincadeiras is scheduled for August 15 and 16 at Casa Curió. Aimed at children up to 12 years old, the festival seeks to reduce screen time by promoting traditional play, theater, storytelling, and artistic workshops, such as Japanese kokedama gardening. The event also includes gastronomic options for accompanying adults.