BrLab Announces 15th Edition Winners, FiGa Films Acquires 'Red Nest'

Brazilian drama 'Red Nest' wins Tanto Award as Miami-based FiGa Films takes sales rights.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 10:25am

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An extreme close-up of shimmering, glittering film production textures like sequins, disco glass, and velvet in high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and energy of the independent film industry.The vibrant energy of Brazil's independent film community shines through the luxurious textures of the BrLab development program.Today in Miami

Brazil's influential development lab BrLab has announced the winners of its 15th edition, with Miami-based FiGa Films acquiring the sales rights to the prizewinning Brazilian drama 'Ninho Tinto' (Red Nest). The film from directors Val Hidalgo and Alice Stamato was among 12 projects selected for the annual event, which hosts producers, directors and writers from across Latin America, Spain and Portugal.

Why it matters

BrLab has grown from a small regional workshop into a key player in developing independent cinema across Latin America and the Ibero-American region, connecting filmmakers to co-producers, festivals and industry decision-makers. This year's edition introduced new initiatives like a green sustainability program and a 'Think Tank' to address broader structural challenges facing the industry.

The details

The 15th BrLab edition saw organizers shift the event from its traditional October slot to early April, launch a new workshop for children's film and series projects, and partner with Petrobras on sustainability efforts. Despite funding cuts to Brazil's national film agency Ancine, BrLab has maintained its trajectory by pursuing international partnerships and support.

  • BrLab held its 15th edition in early April 2026.
  • The 'Red Nest' film premiered at the event.

The players

BrLab

A development and training hub for projects from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, founded in 2011 and now a key player in the region's independent cinema.

FiGa Films

A Miami-based film sales company that acquired the rights to the BrLab-winning drama 'Red Nest'.

Val Hidalgo and Alice Stamato

The directors of the BrLab-winning film 'Ninho Tinto' (Red Nest).

Rafael Sampaio

The founder, director and curator of BrLab, who discussed the lab's growth, new initiatives and the challenges of maintaining consistent support for independent filmmaking in the region.

Petrobras

The new presenting partner and lead sponsor of BrLab, supporting the event's new green sustainability program.

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What they’re saying

“Reaching 15 years is both a celebration and a statement of persistence. Also, it's a moment to evaluate and reaffirm our purposes and structures, considering all changes and challenges we've been facing in different countries in Latin America and everywhere.”

— Rafael Sampaio, BrLab founder, director and curator

“Filmmakers and producers don't just develop their films in isolation — they connect not only with themselves and tutors but also with co-producers, festivals and decision-makers that we bring to be part of each edition of BrLab, helping to position the curated projects internationally from an early stage.”

— Rafael Sampaio, BrLab founder, director and curator

“It is not about changing what already works — it's about consolidating it and expanding its reach. Rather than a shift in format, what we've done is to solidify the core of BrLab — the depth of the labs, the close mentorship, the international dialogue — while creating new layers around it.”

— Rafael Sampaio, BrLab founder, director and curator

What’s next

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The takeaway

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