What's Happening?
João Roni, a seasoned Brazilian producer known for his work on the family drama 'My Penguin Friend,' has launched a new production company, Marea Cine, at Content Americas. This move follows a strategic
restructuring that began in 2025 when Spain's Twentyfourseven acquired the Ocean Films brand. Roni, a founding partner of Ocean Films, decided to spin off the content division he led for 15 years to establish Marea Cine. The company is set to focus on international co-productions, with a slate of 19 projects already in development. These projects include collaborations with partners from Italy, Argentina, Uruguay, Canada, Spain, Chile, and France. Notable projects include the feature film 'Dot,' inspired by the true story of American nun Dorothy Stang, and a limited series 'Lot 55,' both centered on her murder in the Amazon. Marea Cine is also developing 'Brigitte Montfort: Blood on the Tropics,' a live-action spy series set in 1960s Brazil.
Why It's Important?
The launch of Marea Cine signifies a significant shift in the international film production landscape, particularly in Latin America. By focusing on international co-productions, Marea Cine aims to tap into global markets and audiences, potentially increasing the visibility and influence of Brazilian cinema worldwide. This move could foster greater cultural exchange and collaboration between countries, enhancing the diversity of content available to audiences. For the U.S. film industry, this development may lead to new opportunities for partnerships and co-productions, potentially influencing the types of stories and perspectives that reach American audiences. Additionally, the focus on high-impact projects could set new standards for storytelling and production quality in the region.
What's Next?
Marea Cine plans to continue developing its slate of projects, with several already in talks for co-production agreements. The company will likely seek to strengthen its partnerships with major streaming platforms and broadcasters, such as Netflix, HBO, and TV Globo, to distribute its content more widely. As these projects progress, there may be increased interest from international investors and collaborators looking to participate in the growing Latin American film market. The success of Marea Cine's projects could also inspire other producers in the region to pursue similar international collaborations, further integrating Latin American cinema into the global film industry.
