Sean Penn, Julia Roberts, John and Nancy Ross held a screening of Marianna Brennando’s debut film, “Manus,” in Los Angeles on Saturday.
The film was featured by Roberts and Penn, one of the contestants of Brazil’s Oscar nominees and executive producers. The screening was followed by a Q&A with film director, writer and producer Brenand and his star, Dilapes.
Sean Penn, Julia Roberts and Marianna Brennando at Los Angeles screenings
Courtesy of Phil Faraone, Getty Images
Roberts told the audience:
Based on that sentiment, Penn reflected on the first encounter with Brennan, saying, “At this year at Cannes Film Festival, there was a Kaeling Foundation dinner and women took to the stage to embrace the Emerging Talent Awards. She gave a speech.
Marianna Brenand, Sean Penn and Julia Roberts at Los Angeles screenings
Courtesy of Phil Faraone, Getty Images
Brenand expressed his gratitude to his host. “Shawn, thank you for meeting us, thank you for recognizing the power of this story, and thank you for enhancing your presence today.
The film was born from a decade of research on Amazon by Brennan, who began his documentary career. It tells the story of 13-year-old Marciel (Jamily Correa), from Malajo Island. She was silenced in a society that ignores violence against women and children, saying that she “will stand up to the wounds of generations, change her destiny forever and forever,” according to the statement.
“Manus” won the Best Director Award at Venice Days, an independent parallel section of the Venice Film Festival, and has so far received a total of 27 awards. The Brazilian film is one of six titles that are finalists to represent the country at the 2026 Academy Awards, with executive producers being Penn, Academy Award winners Walter Salles, two-time Palme de Orle winners Jean Pierre and Lou Dardennes, and “I’m Still Here” producer Maria Carota Bruno.
Regarding his decision to join as an executive producer, Penn previously said: “Walter Sales’s ‘I’m Still Here’ and the last tradition met by Marianna Brennando’s film Manas, will continue the legacy of Brazil’s most enduring cinema. It’s forbidden…I felt it was important.
