Editor

The Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival (FESTIVAL DO RIO), now in its 11th year, will take place from September 24th to October 8th, 2009, in and around the breathtakingly beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In a joyous two-week celebration of cinema, films will be seen in cinemas, cultural centres, and in the open air on the world famous Copacabana Beach.

FESTIVAL DO RIO is Latin America's largest film festival and gathering of industry executives. Last year, more than 300 productions, including features, documentaries and independent productions, were screened at 30 venues throughout Rio de Janeiro. Over 270,000 moviegoers gathered to see different productions from around the world and welcome celebrity guests.

Filmmakers and stars alike who in previous years have been spotted exploring Rio’s sights and hot spots include Roman Polanski, Charlotte Rampling, Irene Jacob, Samuel L Jackson, Ralph Feinnes, Viggo Mortensen, Danny Glover, Jane Birkin, Robert Evans, Harvey Weinstein and Terence Davis.

FESTIVAL DO RIO exhibits an extensive panorama of films from Latin America and Brazil premieres as well as films from prominent filmmakers from all over the world. It is an important window for promoting films to be released in Brazil as well as showcasing independent productions which would otherwise not be seen by Brazilian audiences.

Brazil is established as the world's ninth largest market for all audio-visual products and shows enormous potential for further expansion.

So if cinema is your thing, what better way to enjoy it than feasting your way through a choice of over 300 films while taking in the glamour and stunning sights of one of the world’s most exciting cities.

How to get there: most international carriers (BA, Air France, TAM, TAP, Iberia, Delta, American Airlines, United) have flights directly to Rio or via Sao Paulo. We suggest an overnight flight. You arrive rested, and one of Rio’s most magical sights is the sun rising over one of its fabulous beaches.




How to find out about the Festival programme: Daily newspaper O Globo prints a festival supplement and daily updates. You’ll also find an official festival guide Boca Boca free at distribution points around the city. Or, if you have easy access to email, check the regularly updated festival site: http://festivaldorio.com.br

Where you’re most likely to spot the stars: in the evening around the Odeon BR cinema in downtown Cinelandia where most of the premieres take place; hanging around the lobby of the major hotels such as the Copacabana Palace and Sofitel Copacabana, or strolling along Copacabana Beach – Tom, Katie and Suri Cruise enjoyed going barefoot on their recent visit to the city.


Website: http://festivaldorio.com.br