Jornal da Mostra / 49th mostra

The São Paulo International Film Festival, taking place from October 16 to 30, dedicates its New Directors Competition to works by filmmakers presenting their first or second feature film. The 118 titles featured in the 2025 lineup compete for the Bandeira Paulista Trophy.

Viewers of the 49th edition vote for their favorites, which are then submitted to the Jury — this year composed of South African producer Atilla Salih Yücer, Brazilian producer Daniel Dreifuss, Portuguese-Cape Verdean filmmaker Denise Fernandes, Colombian director Laura Mora, and Variety’s chief film critic, American journalist Peter Debruge.

The selection includes films featured at major festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Locarno, Rotterdam, Toronto, Sundance, San Sebastián, Karlovy Vary, Tribeca, and Visions du Réel. 

Brazil is represented by six titles, alongside works from more than 50 countries, including Belgium, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Palestine, Iraq, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Denmark, Egypt, and Iran.

Click here and check out the full New Director’s Competition lineup.