Overview

There is a surplus of amazing film surrounding Brisbane at the moment. Keeping the Gold Coast Film Festival and the 19th St. George Bank Brisbane International Film Festival company is the lesser known but just as exciting Brazil Film Festival. Claudio Climaco is the man bringing it all together in Brisbane.

What is your role in the festival?
I am the local coordinator for the Brazil Film Festival in Brisbane. The festival ran for the first time in Australia in Sydney last October 2009 and due to its success they decided to expand it to Melbourne and Brisbane this year. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Film and Screen Media through Griffith (QCA) and I have also worked with Brazilian culture in Brisbane for the last 12 years, teaching Capoeira, a Brazilian form of Martial arts combining music, dance and acrobatics.

How would you describe Brazilian film?
Brazilian films mirror the Brazilian take on life - they are often critical of the social conditions and at the same time humorous, artistic, passionate and hopeful of overcoming their difficulties.

Are there any famous actors we may recognise who are Brazilian?
Few Brazilian actors have 'made it' on the international scene. But most recently Rodrigo Santoro appeared as one the Generals in the ‘Che’ movies released last year as well as having spots on Charlie's Angel sequel and ‘Love Actually’. Veteran Sonia Braga had her share of Hollywood appearances including ‘Sex and the City’.

What can we expect from this festival and how is it different to other festivals?
The Brazil Film Festival is offering a variety of elements of the Brazilian cinema production focusing on the most recent films produced and/or released in 2009 and 2010. The festival is also a celebration of Brazilian culture, bringing together the music and dance of Brazil in a number of events surrounding the screening of the festival. There will be live entertainment in the opening and closing night parties as well as cocktails before the first screening where a VIP guest - the Embassador of Brazil in Australia will be doing an introduction to the festival.

The Brazil Film Festival runs from November 18-21. For screening times and more details, check out brazilfilmfestival.com.au