Miyu Distribution is positioning this acquisition as a celebration of Black Brazilian storytelling and a victory for diverse voices in animation. The deal frames Ana, en Passant as an artistic triumph that honors Motta's legacy while bringing fresh Brazilian perspectives to international audiences.
Insiders say Miyu's aggressive pursuit of this film signals their intent to compete directly with major animation distributors targeting the Latin American market. The VIFF world premiere is being strategically timed to build buzz before broader distribution talks at major markets like Toronto and Sundance.
The film's world premiere is scheduled for the Brasília Brazilian Film Festival, with its international debut locked in for the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). VIFF confirmed this marks the first time an animated feature starring Motta will screen at their venue. Source: Variety (August 27, 2026).
This acquisition proves that Brazilian animation is no longer flying under the radar—Miyu is betting big that Zezé Motta's star power combined with Salgado's vision can crack markets that have traditionally overlooked Latin American cinema.
Miyu Distribution has secured international rights to Fernanda Salgado's animated feature "Ana, en Passant" in a deal announced Wednesday, bringing renewed attention to one of Brazil's most celebrated actresses while positioning the film for a major festival run. The Paris-based indie animation distributor acquired worldwide rights ahead of the film's world premiere at the Brasília Brazilian Film Festival and its international debut at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). VIFF confirmed that "Ana, en Passant" will make history as the first animated feature starring Zezé Motta to screen at the festival—a significant milestone for both the film and Canadian audiences. Zezé Motta has been a cornerstone of Brazilian cinema for over six decades. The 81-year-old actress rose to prominence in the 1970s and became a symbol of representation as one of the first Black women to achieve leading roles in major Brazilian productions. Her career trajectory—from groundbreaking theatrical work to international recognition—makes her casting in an animated feature particularly noteworthy. "Fernanda Salgado has crafted something truly special with Ana, en Passant," said Miyu Distribution's head of acquisitions in a statement. "Zezé Motta brings an unmatched gravitas to every project she touches, and this film is no exception. We're honored to bring her work to global audiences." The acquisition reflects growing interest in Brazilian animated features among international distributors. With streaming platforms hungry for diverse content and animation audiences increasingly seeking stories beyond Hollywood's traditional offerings, "Ana, en Passant" enters the market at an opportune moment. Miyu Distribution has built its reputation on championing distinctive animation from around the world, making this partnership a natural fit. Festival programmers at VIFF expressed enthusiasm about hosting what they described as a landmark screening. The Vancouver event will serve as a crucial testing ground for audience reception ahead of broader theatrical and digital releases planned for 2027.
