Actor and filmmaker Sean Penn has joined the production of the Brazilian film Manas as an executive producer. The announcement, made ahead of the upcoming Academy Awards, highlights Penn’s involvement in this socially significant project directed by Marianna Brennand.
A Notable Collaboration Featuring Award-Winning Filmmakers
Manas earned Marianna Brennand the Best Director Award at Venice Days, the independent segment of the Venice Film Festival. The film’s producing team also includes last year’s Best International Feature Film winner Walter Salles, alongside Palme d’Or-winning brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. Maria Carlota Bruno, who previously collaborated with Salles on I’m Still Here, is another executive producer contributing to the film.
Sean Penn’s Endorsement Highlights the Film’s Emotional Impact
In a statement released on Friday, Sean Penn praised the film’s powerful storytelling and social relevance.
“In the tradition last fulfilled by Walter Salles’s ‘I’m Still Here,’ Marianna Brennand’s film ‘Manas’ continues Brazil’s most enduring cinematic legacy. Films of striking social relevance that never fall to polemic or sensationalism, but instead so trustingly fulfill their characters’ plight and courage. ‘Manas’ is deeply emotional, stirring and God forbid … important. I felt as if I had to put my skin back on after watching it.” —Sean Penn, Actor and Filmmaker
Marianna Brennand Recalls Meeting Sean Penn at Cannes
Brennand shared the story of how her encounter with Penn at the Cannes Film Festival was a turning point in her career.
“I first met Sean in Cannes, on the night I received the Women in Motion Emerging Talent Award from Kering and Cannes Film Festival, alongside Nicole Kidman. It was a pivotal evening in my career — I was deeply emotional and spoke from the heart about what it means to give voice to women and children who are so often silenced.” —Marianna Brennand, Director
“After my speech, Sean asked to meet me. He told me he needed to know the person behind those words and to see the film that had moved so many in the audience that night.” —Marianna Brennand, Director
Support Rooted in a Shared Commitment to Social Change
Brennand detailed Penn’s response after viewing Manas, emphasizing his dedication to helping the film reach wider audiences.
“After watching ‘Manas,’ he called me to share how profoundly shaken he was by the film. He spoke of its cinematic and narrative power in bringing to light a story so difficult to tell, one that reflects the lived reality of countless women and children, not only in the depths of the Amazon but across the world.” —Marianna Brennand, Director
“From that moment, he committed himself to helping raise awareness for the film, convinced it needed to reach audiences everywhere. Sean has long been an inspiration to me — not only for his work as a filmmaker, but for his courage as a social activist and humanitarian. ‘Manas’ was born from a deep desire to spark empathy and inspire social and political change. Sean coming on board as executive producer — alongside Walter Salles, Maria Carlota Bruno and the Dardenne brothers — is an honor for us, and such a powerful step in the film’s journey.” —Marianna Brennand, Director
The Story Behind ‘Manas’: A Decade of Research in the Amazon
Originating from Brennand’s decade-long research as a documentarian in the Amazon, Manas follows the journey of Marcielle, a 13-year-old girl from Marajó Island.
“Tells the story of Marcielle, a 13-year-old from Marajó Island. Silenced in a society that ignores violence against women and children, she confronts generational wounds and takes control of her destiny, forever altering her family’s fate.” —Official Synopsis
Accolades, Distribution, and Prospects for the Academy Awards
Manas has already received 26 awards and is among the 16 films being considered to represent Brazil at the Academy Awards. It competes alongside the Cannes-winning The Secret Agent. The U.S. distribution rights were recently acquired by KimStim, with a release planned in up to 20 cities at a later date. Bendita Film Sales is handling international sales at the Toronto International Film Festival for selected markets.
If chosen as Brazil’s official submission, Brennand would become only the third woman director ever to represent the country in this category. Furthermore, she could be the first Brazilian woman to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature Film.
