Julia Roberts, Sean Penn Host Screening for Brazilian Oscar Contender ‘Manas’: ‘It Will Change You’

Sean Penn, Julia Roberts, and John and Nancy Ross hosted a screening of Marianna Brennand’s debut film “Manas” on Saturday in Los Angeles.

The film, one of those vying to be the Oscar contender for Brazil, was introduced by Roberts and Penn, who serves as an executive producer. The screening was followed by a Q&A with Brennand, the film’s director, writer and producer, and its star, Dira Paes.

Roberts told the audience: “I am so excited for what’s about to happen to everyone in this room because it happened to me and it will change you. This movie is life-affirming in such a sad and beautiful and magical way.”

Building on that sentiment, Penn reflected on the first time he encountered Brennand, recalling: “At the Cannes Film Festival this year, there was a Kering Foundation dinner, and a woman came up to the stage to accept the Emerging Talent Award. She gave a speech, and the authenticity of this person was the kind of power that could only make a great film.”

Brennand expressed her gratitude to her hosts: “Thank you, Sean, for seeing us, for recognizing the power of this story, and for speaking out… And Julia, thank you for empowering us with your presence here today. You both are immensely amplifying our voices.”

The film was born out of 10 years of research in the Amazon by Brennand, who began her career as a documentarian. It tells the story of Marcielle (Jamilli Correa), 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,” according to a statement.

“Manas” won Brennand the best director award at Venice Days, the independent parallel section of the Venice Film Festival, and has collected a total 27 awards to date. The Brazilian film is one of six titles shortlisted to represent the country at the 2026 Academy Awards, with Penn, Academy Award winner Walter Salles, two-time Palme d’Or winners Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, and “I’m Still Here” producer Maria Carlota Bruno serving as executive producers.

On his decision to join as executive producer, Penn previously stated: “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.”