Directors' Factory - Brazil

The Directors’ Factory at Cannes is notching up its 10th year with this edition, which has Brazil as its focal point and, more specifically, the environs of Fortaleza in the north-eastern region of Ceara. This year’s edition was “under the patronage” of Futuro Beach director Karim Aïnouz. For each film in the showcase, local filmmakers are paired with international partners.

The shorts are all by emerging filmmakers who are all working on their first features.

This year’s Directors’ Factory features – with descriptions provided by Directors’ Fortnight – click the titles below to read the full reviews:

Blind Spot - Marta is an engineer responsible for the security cameras at the port of Fortaleza, an environment where silenced women deal with anonymity and contempt. But Marta is ready to speak out.

The Cowgirl, The Showgirl And The Pig - A trans cowgirl enters the bar where her lover, a black showgirl, works under the rules of a bloodthirsty truffle-lover pig. But what begins as an escape for love, turns into a surreal western showdown of blood, sisterhood and resilience.

How To Read The Wind- For several years now, Cassia, a traditional healer, has been patiently teaching her secrets to Marjorie, her young disciple. Now, the moment has arrived to pass on the legacy.

A Beast In The Mangrove - There was a time when a man of limitless powers demanded descendants. When one of his victims released the beast within her, an avenging force of myth came galloping over the mangrove waters…

The upcoming features to look out for from the directors are:

Who Named the Earth? – by Wara

Daughters of the Mangrove – by Stella Carneiro

Horse Parade – by Luciana Veira

The Boat And The River (Working Title) – by Bernardo Abinader

Mermaid Avenue – by Sharon Hakim

Sun in Saturn – by Ary Zara

Moa – by Marcel Beltrán

The Handball Coach – Sivan Noam Shimon

Reviewed on: 21 May 2025