A new player has come to town. Veteran Brazilian producer Joao Roni, who was executive producer of the hit family drama “My Penguin Friend” starring Jean Reno, has launched Marea Cine.
Currently, at Content Americas, he brings a strong slate of 19 projects, all of which are geared towards international co-productions.
The launch marks the final step in a strategic reorganization that began in 2025 when Spain’s Twenty47 took over the Ocean Films brand and its advertising services division.
Roni, a founding partner of Ocean Films, chose to spin off the content division he had led for 15 years to launch Marea Cine.
“For Marea Cine, this move represents the beginning of a new cycle that is more focused on and aligned with the ever-evolving ways the world consumes engaging content,” the company said regarding the announcement.
“Malea is a content creation and production company with creative expertise, international market intelligence and the ability to develop relevant and impactful projects,” Roni told Variety, adding, “Our focus remains on winning partnerships that support the best artistic outcomes with audiences around the world.”
Of the 19 projects in development, 11 are international co-productions involving partners in Italy, Argentina, Uruguay, Canada, Spain, Chile and France.
Standout works include the feature film Dot, which Marea is currently in talks to co-produce with an Italian company.
Inspired by the tragic true story of Dorothy Stan, an American nun who was murdered in the Amazon in 2005, the film centers on Father Anselmo, a priest sent by the Vatican to mediate between nuns and powerful ranchers and loggers who have been fighting for the poor and the environment. But as he understands her, he realizes that she is interfering with what he considers to be the purest way to keep God’s word. Knowing his life is in danger, he returns to the Vatican to tell what he witnessed. A limited series called “Lot 55” depicting the same tragedy is also in the works.
Marea is producing the film in partnership with Los Angeles-based FJ Productions. Directed by David Schulman (My Penguin Friend, The Little Secret).
The series “Brigitte Montfort: Tropical Blood” Season 1 is based on the IP acquired by Marea Cine of the 500 books created by José Alberto Gueiros, written by Lou Carrigan of Spain and illustrated by José Benicio da Fonseca. The Pulp Fiction series became a cult phenomenon, especially in Brazil, where it was sold on newsstands and developed a cult following. Set in 1960s Brazil at the height of the Cold War, this live-action spy series follows Brigitte, a journalist who also doubles as a CIA agent.
“Brigitte Montfort” painted by Jose Benicio da Fonseca. Provided by Marea Cine
Roni’s notable credits include The Little Secret (Pequeno Segredo), which represented Brazil at the 89th Academy Awards in 2017. Loni looks forward to continuing to work with companies with which she has built strong relationships, including Netflix, TV Globo, Globoplay, HBO, ESPN, Turner and Portugal’s RTP.
Other past credits include:
“Transamazônica – “A Road to the Past” (“Uma estrada para o passado”)” (HBO): Winner of the Brazilian Film Award for Best Documentary Series (2022).
“At This Moment, at the Nation’s Sky” (“No Céu da Pátria Nesse Instante”): Winner of the Special Jury Prize and Best Editing Award at the Brazil Festival (2024).
“Amazonia, New Minamata?” (“Amazonia, New Minamata?”): Winner of the Humanity Award at the São Paulo International Film Festival (2022).
Joan Loni and Fonseca, illustrators of Brigitte Montfort’s Pulp Fiction series
