This Dubai-based actress is on a mission to connect Brazilian and Emirati cinema

Khaleej Times

12-03-2025

From the vibrant streets of Brazil to the dynamic skyline of Dubai, actress Sabrina Petraglia's journey is more than just a geographical shift—it's a cultural mission to connect her country's cinema with Emiratis. Having moved to the UAE with her family two years ago, she has found herself enamoured with the region, transforming what was meant to be a temporary stay into a deep-rooted passion for showcasing the Emirates through the lens of Brazilian storytelling.
Before moving to the UAE, Sabrina, like many others, had preconceived notions about the region. However, experiencing the country firsthand altered her perspective entirely. Now, she is on a mission to bridge the gap between Brazil and the Emirates through cinema. 'Cinema can bridge cultures, and I believe in the power of Brazilian film,' she says in a chat with City Times. 'Connecting Brazil with the UAE through film is something I'm determined to make happen—and as soon as possible.'
Brazil's Ainda Estou Aqui (I'm Still Here) won Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. In doing so, it became the first Brazilian film to achieve that feat, proving the country's artistic depth and storytelling prowess. Sabrina, who knows lead actors Selton Mello and Fernanda Torres personally, was thrilled by the recognition. 'Seeing Brazilian cinema gain recognition on this scale strengthens my commitment to cultural exchange and production,' she explains. 'This victory will shift global perceptions of our industry and open many doors for Brazilian talents internationally.'
Blending Brazilian and Emirati storytelling
Inspired by the landscapes, people, and vibrancy of Dubai, Sabrina has a desire to create; she wants to make the city a character, she says, "showcase its beauty, rhythm, and culture through film. That said, Sabrina is currently working on a Portuguese-language film that will introduce Dubai to a Brazilian audience. 'The Emirates is a place where even the boldest ideas feel possible,' she says. While keeping project details under wraps, she reveals that the script is in its final editing stages and that discussions are underway to begin filming later this year. 'It's something that has never been done before in this country or in Brazil.'
Sabrina's first major step in cultural exchange came with the UAE premiere of Mar de Mães (Ocean of Mothers), a Brazilian film centered on motherhood and female solidarity. 'I started with a 60-seat cinema, then 100, then 200, and by the premiere day, over 600 people from diverse backgrounds had signed up to attend,' she revealed, adding that the overwhelming reception proved that Brazilian films resonate with Middle Eastern audiences. With key figures such as Brazilian Ambassador Sidney Romero and Rafael Solimeu from the Arab Chamber of Commerce in attendance, doors opened for future collaborations.
Beyond film, Sabrina's work with TV Globo, Latin America's largest entertainment network, has further connected Brazil and Dubai. When she joined Família É Tudo, she persuaded the writer to incorporate Dubai into the storyline, leading to a landmark moment where scenes were filmed at Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future. 'It was a way to showcase Dubai to millions of Brazilian viewers,' she says. 'And it worked beautifully.'
The UAE's influence on her vision
Sabrina is deeply inspired by the UAE's ethos—its discipline, ambition, and collective vision. 'The philosophy here is that nothing is impossible. That energy is real,' she shares. 'It makes you want to value your own work even more.' Her goal is to merge Brazilian creativity with the structure and scale of Emirati productions, setting the stage for unprecedented collaborations between the two cultures.
Sabrina's next step is to bring an entire Brazilian film crew to the UAE for her latest project. But she isn't just focusing on acting—she is stepping into the role of producer, aiming to be the bridge between the two countries.
She wants audiences to immerse themselves in her productions, she says, "to experience the Middle East through our eyes, and to see our talent working on Arab soil.'
And while every actor dreams of walking the Oscars red carpet, Sabrina's aspirations go beyond personal accolades. 'I want to see multiple Brazilian and Middle Eastern films at the Oscars,' she says. 'I believe in unity, in bringing different worlds together—yes, I dream big!'