Brazilian Oscar Hopeful ‘Manas’, Execed By Walter Salles, Gets US Deal

EXCLUSIVE: Marianna Brennand’s Venice Days 2024 winner Manas, whose executive producers include Walter Salles and the Dardenne brothers, has been acquired by KimStim for U.S. release.

New York outfit KimStim will release the film for a limited run on a soon to be announced date in up to 20 U.S. cities and is gunning for the film to represent Brazil at the Oscars. Bendita Film Sales will continue international sales at the Toronto market.

Born out of ten years of research in the Amazon from documentarian Brennand, Manas tells the story of Marcielle, a 13-year-old from Marajó Island. Silenced in a society that ignores violence against women and children, she confronts generational wounds and chooses to take control of her destiny, forever altering her family’s fate.

The feature managed a 13-week run in Brazilian cinemas and was released in more than 70 theaters nationwide.

The arthouse film, which won the Best Director Award in Venice Days last year, is one of many hoping to represent Brazil at the Oscars. Stiff competition will come in the shape of Cannes favourite The Secret Agent.

Walter Salles won the Best International Film Oscar last year with Brazilian drama I’m Still Here. The Dardenne brothers’ film Young Mothers is Belgium’s submission for the Academy Awards in 2026. 

KimStim Co-President, Ian Stimler said: “Manas exemplifies the kind of artistically daring, emotionally nuanced, and socially urgent filmmaking that defines the best of international cinema. We are honored to bring this extraordinary film to U.S. audiences and to support its journey through awards season and beyond. KimStim is fully committed to supporting the Manas team in their efforts to secure an Oscar nomination and win.”

Brennand added: “Partnering with KimStim, a deeply curated arthouse distributor in the United States, marks a pivotal moment for Manas. After a global journey of 26 awards, with both audience and jury acclaim, and theatrical distribution in six countries, bringing the film into the North American market is an essential next step. The American film community has a unique power to shape conversations around cinema and social themes, and we believe this audience will connect deeply with the urgency and universality of the story Manas carries, creating awareness around the message it carries.”