On Saturday, Rio de Janeiro inaugurated a bronze statue in honor of renowned filmmaker Cacá Diegues in Alto da Boa Vista, marking the first anniversary of his death. The statue, which is a life-sized sculpture created by artist Mário Pitanguy, was unveiled by city mayor Eduardo Paes and was attended by Diegues’ widow, Renata Magalhães, alongside many prominent figures from the Brazilian arts scene, including actors Fernanda Montenegro and Toni Garrido. This event not only commemorates Diegues' contributions to Brazilian cinema but also brings attention to the legacy of the Cinema Novo movement he helped spearhead.

Cacá Diegues is celebrated for his extensive filmography that includes over 20 internationally recognized feature films, such as "Xica da Silva" and "Bye Bye Brasil." He was a pivotal figure in the Cinema Novo movement, which sought to portray Brazilian culture and society on film, often addressing social and political issues. The unveiling ceremony was not only a tribute to Diegues himself but also highlighted the impact of his work on the film industry, emphasizing the cultural contributions of his collaborators, including notable directors like Glauber Rocha.

In addition to honoring Cacá Diegues, the ceremony remembered his daughter, Flora Diegues, who was also a talented actress and screenwriter and passed away in 2019. The location of the statue has been named Largo da Flora, thereby forever linking the memory of both father and daughter in the cultural landscape of Rio. This dedication underscores the city's commitment to preserving its cinematic history and celebrating the lives of its influential artists.