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“The Brazilian Film Festival is an important tool to promote the Brazilian tourism destinations abroad, as it brings about a different view of the complexity of our country, increasing the enthusiasm for getting to know and explore the diversity of Brazil.”- Luiz Barretto, Minster of Tourism in Brazil

I recently had the opportunity to attend the 13^th Annual Brazilian Film Festival in Miami (Disclosure Ogilvy client). While I have been lucky enough to visit Brazil once before, taking a cinematic journey back to Brazil last week at the Festival was a welcomed activity. Just as the Minister mentions in his quote above watching foreign films gives viewers a glimpse not only into the natural landscape of the country, but the culture and customs. While the beauty of the foreign language is often lost in subtitles, the expression and emotion is still very evident to all watching.

Two of my favorite films while attending the Festival were the documentary, “Smoking I Wait” and the feature film “The Little Cowboy.” “Smoking I Wait” was written and directed by one of the founders of Inffinito, the creators of the Brazilian Film Festival. Adriana Dutra takes the audience through her struggle to quit smoking. Throughout this journey she exposes the perils of addiction through personal interviews as well as the complex history of the tobacco industry both in Brazil and the U.S. “The Little Cowboy” is set in the 1950’s countryside of Sao Paulo. This particular film reminded me of a farm we visited outside Curitiba on my trip to Brazil. The film depicts the lifestyle of “gauchos” (traditional Brazilian cowboys) their hard work, determination and simple nature is evident throughout the film.

Both of these films left me with the same conclusions I had while after visiting Brazil. This country possesses one of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes I have ever seen and the people exude a warmth and passion you just don’t find everywhere.

It seems what the Minister said is true, watching a foreign film does allow you to experience the gems of another country whether you are in Miami or Minnesota. Although, I have to admit I would take visiting Brazil over watching the movie any day.