Written by Kianna Best on Apr 10, 2025. Posted in Awards and Festivals

Marianna Brennand to be honoured with Women in Motion Emerging Talent Award

In a significant acknowledgment of her impactful storytelling, Brazilian director Marianna Brennand is set to receive the 2025 Women In Motion Emerging Talent Award at the Cannes Film Festival. This accolade, presented by Kering in collaboration with the Festival de Cannes, underscores Brennand's dedication to amplifying women's narratives through film.​

Image courtesy of Kering

Brennand's journey in cinema is marked by a commitment to exploring profound and often challenging subjects. Her directorial debut, Manas, delves into the harrowing realities of sexual abuse within an Amazonian community. The film follows 13-year-old Marcielle, known as Tielle, who confronts the oppressive dynamics of her environment. Through Tielle's eyes, audiences witness the complexities of familial bonds and societal expectations, all set against the lush yet isolating backdrop of the Amazon rainforest. Brennand's approach is both delicate and unflinching, allowing viewers to engage deeply with the protagonist's plight without resorting to explicit depictions of violence. ​

The authenticity of Manas is heightened by the compelling performance of Jamilli Correa as Tielle. Correa's portrayal captures the nuanced emotions of a young girl grappling with trauma and the desire for liberation. The film's cinematography further immerses audiences, utilising long, contemplative shots that echo the vastness and entrapment of Tielle's world.

Brennand's dedication to giving voice to silenced women is deeply personal. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a means of breaking taboos surrounding abuse, stating, "I hope Manas will help break the taboo surrounding abuse, sexual violences and all kinds of abuses that we go through." Her intent is not only to shed light on these issues but to inspire collective action and dialogue.

The Women In Motion Emerging Talent Award, initiated by Kering and the Festival de Cannes, aims to spotlight and support promising female filmmakers. Each year, the previous recipient selects the next honoree, fostering a lineage of recognition and mentorship. Amanda Nell Eu, the 2024 awardee, chose Brennand for her "incredibly captivating and painful story" portrayed in Manas. This peer-driven selection process underscores the collaborative spirit of the initiative.

Beyond the honour, the award includes a EUR50,000 grant to support the creation of the recipient's second feature project.This financial backing is crucial in an industry where female directors often face significant hurdles in securing funding.The initiative reflects a broader commitment to addressing gender disparities in cinema, with the percentage of women directors among the top 100 box office films in the United States rising from 7.5% to 13.6% between 2015 and 2024—a progression, albeit gradual.

Brennand's recognition at Cannes is not her first accolade. Manas garnered the GDA Director's Award at the Giornate degli Autori during the Venice Film Festival in 2024, making her the first Brazilian director to receive this honor. Her academic background in Film Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, has undoubtedly contributed to her nuanced understanding of cinematic storytelling.

As Brennand prepares to accept the Women In Motion Emerging Talent Award, her focus remains on the stories she seeks to tell and the voices she aims to amplify. Her work serves as a poignant reminder of cinema's power to challenge societal norms, foster empathy, and initiate change. In her own words, "To all manas of the world, let us speak out."