Karim Aïnouz is about to release his second feature film in English, 'The Secret Agent', which is competing for the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. In a recent interview, Aïnouz reflects on the current glory of Brazilian cinema, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the film. He reminisces about his campaign for the Oscars and poses a thought-provoking question about whether audiences still desire sexual content in films. The enthusiasm for 'The Secret Agent' coincides with a growing wave of international interest in Brazilian cinema, especially following his previous work, 'The Invisible Life', which won the 'Un Certain Regard' award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.

Aïnouz notes that 'Still Here', set to release in 2024, may signify the start of a new global fascination with Brazilian cinema. However, he argues that the roots of this interest can be traced back to before the pandemic in 2019, when 'The Invisible Life' raised the profile of Brazilian films internationally after its prestigious win. He also highlights the success of other films, like 'Bacurau', which won the Jury Prize at Cannes in the same year. This recent surge in recognition reflects both a diversification in Brazilian storytelling and the industry's potential to captivate global audiences.

As an artist based in Berlin for 18 years, Aïnouz's experience bridges the gap between Brazilian and European cinema. His insights into the industry's dynamics reveal the challenges and opportunities faced by filmmakers in Brazil and abroad. Aïnouz's commentary on the audience's evolving tastes, particularly regarding sexuality in film, is crucial as the landscape shifts, and he aims to explore these themes in his work moving forward, indicating a thoughtful approach to contemporary cinema that may resonate beyond national borders.