Latest news with #SabrinaPetraglia
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Oscar-winning Brazilian film 'I'm Still Here' makes UAE debut
A cinematic milestone unfolded in the UAE this weekend as Ainda Estou Aqui (I'm Still Here), Brazil's first-ever Oscar-winning film, premiered at Dubai's Cinema Akil — becoming the first Brazilian feature to screen in the country. The exclusive event marked a major cultural crossover and was led by actress Sabrina Petraglia, a Dubai resident who has made it her mission to bring Brazilian cinema to the Middle East. The screening of Ainda Estou Aqui, which won Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Academy Awards, drew a full house of over 130 attendees. The audience included UAE and Brazilian dignitaries, diplomats, filmmakers, artists, and prominent members of the expat Brazilian community — all gathered to witness history at Alserkal Avenue's indie cinema. Grammy Award-winning actress Fernanda Torres, who starred in the film and made headlines this year as the first Brazilian to win a Golden Globe, addressed the Dubai audience in a heartfelt video message before the screening. 'I'm Still Here is the first Brazilian movie to be released in the Emirates, which makes us really proud,' Torres said. 'It's a very special film, directed by the wonderful Walter Salles.' The premiere wasn't just about watching a film — it was a celebration of storytelling across borders. The evening was the culmination of a months-long initiative spearheaded by Sabrina Petraglia, known for her work in Brazilian TV and film. Since relocating to Dubai in 2023, Petraglia has been building cultural bridges between Brazil and the UAE — a vision she brought to life again with this landmark screening. 'This moment is the culmination of five months of work behind the scenes,' Petraglia told the audience in an emotional speech before the film began. 'It gives me so much joy to see the Brazilian community come together alongside our Emirati friends to share this moment and prove the universal power of storytelling.' Petraglia previously screened her own short film, Mar de Mães (Ocean of Mothers), in the UAE earlier this year. It was during that experience she discovered that no Brazilian films had been officially shown in the Emirates before. 'When I learnt Ocean de Mães was the first to even be shown here, I couldn't believe it,' she said. 'UAE is a country that values and supports the arts, so I asked myself, 'Where are the Brazilian movies?' That's when I started connecting with people — with Sony, with Empire, and friends who acted in the movie.' The event also served as a cultural diplomacy milestone, with a post-screening reception attended by officials from the Embassy of Brazil in the UAE, Visit Dubai, members of the Al Serkal family, and other partners. Ambassador Sidney Leon Romeiro praised Petraglia for her dedication in championing Brazil's creative voice in the region. 'Sabrina is one of the key promoters of Brazil's cultural scene here,' he said. 'Each step of this project, she has been calling me, updating me… I always feel her enthusiasm and am deeply grateful for her help in this effort to strengthen Brazil's cultural agenda in the UAE.' Made possible with the support of Ambipar, a Brazilian company known for its commitment to sustainability and the arts, the screening is expected to be a springboard for greater cultural and cinematic collaborations between Latin America and the Arab world. Ainda Estou Aqui will continue screening at Cinema Akil throughout June, inviting UAE residents of all backgrounds to experience the power, emotion, and resonance of Brazilian storytelling — a first, but certainly not the last.
Arab News
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Brazilian actress Sabrina Petraglia bridges cultures through film
DUBAI: Brazilian actress Sabrina Petraglia, known for her roles in TV and cinema, has found a new home and purpose in the Middle East. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Since moving to Dubai in January 2023 with her husband and three children, Petraglia has embraced the region's culture and is making inroads in her attempt to forge cross cultural understanding. 'I never imagined loving the Middle East this much. Whatever I had imagined about the Middle East was totally wrong. The life here is incredible, safe, so beautiful. I like the mentality here. I feel that here your dreams are possible if you work hard,' she told Arab News. Petraglia created her latest project, 'Ocean of Mothers,' in Dubai in January, in a move that she says was the first time a Brazilian production hit the silver screen in the UAE. The film follows three friends — Thais, Erika and Zilda — who connect through motherhood in Santos, Brazil. Despite their busy lives, their friendship becomes a source of strength and support. The film touches on themes like losing one's identity as a mother, feeling overwhelmed, mental health struggles, and the importance of having a support network. A post shared by Sabrina Petraglia (@sabrinapetraglia) 'We started by booking a room for 60 people,' she said, then the number of guests kept increasing until it reached around 400 guests. 'When I saw the cinema full of people and a lot of women from different nationalities, I cried. I could not believe it,' she said. 'I saw a lot of support from women here, because the film is about women. It was so precious for me,' she added. A post shared by Sabrina Petraglia (@sabrinapetraglia) Petraglia is keen to foster collaboration between Brazilian and Arab artists. 'This is one big dream of mine to work with Saudi filmmakers and show Brazilian culture here and sharing Middle Eastern stories with Brazilians also,' she explained. 'Here, I can see big opportunities, and I'd like to show not just to Brazilians, but to the world, what it's like here. The cinema is the best way to do this,' she said. Inspired by her interactions with women in the UAE, Petraglia said she is working on new projects that challenge stereotypes about motherhood and female empowerment. 'For now, it is all only on paper, but I am looking for good partners in Brazil. I am speaking to big channels in Brazil,' she said.
Khaleej Times
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
This Dubai-based actress is on a mission to connect Brazilian and Emirati cinema
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!'
