Cultural and conservation activities in the Amazon

Various cultural and conservation-focused events have been organized across the Amazon region. In Belém, a dance performance inspired by the film ‘Rio’ is scheduled for late November at the Theatro da Paz, focusing on themes of Brazilian carnival and nature.

In the Amazonas region, the ‘Festival das Ariranhas’ (Giant Otter Festival) was held in Palmari to mark World Otter Day. The event, organized by researcher Kirpal Rodriguez, included community activities such as theater and a vocalization contest involving the Matis indigenous people. This festival also supports a University of São Paulo project designed to involve local fishermen in monitoring giant otters to mitigate human-animal conflicts.

Additionally, the Amazonas State Government is hosting a ‘Cinema de Arte’ program at Cineteatro Guarany to honor the late multi-artist Sérgio Vieira Cardoso. Other local cinema programming includes various genre screenings and special anniversary presentations at Shopping Manaus ViaNorte.

Recent developments in the regional arts scene include the death of Matheus Domingues Sabbá on October 28, 2026. A prominent actor and director from Amazonas, Sabbá was 30 years old at the time of his passing. He had a significant career in musical theater, opera, and cinema, having worked with institutions such as the Amazonas Opera Festival and the Municipal Theatre of São Paulo. The Amazonas State Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy described him as a “reference in Amazonian musical theater.”

Sabbá was a graduate of the State University of Amazonas (UEA). His professional highlights included directing the musical “A Caixa Mágica do Natal” and the opera “Onheama” in early 2026. He also appeared in the film “O Último Azul,” directed by Gabriel Mascaro, which won the Grand Prix of the Jury at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival. His funeral is scheduled to take place in Manaus.