Elza Soares Documentary 'Elza' Adds Producer, Sets Rio Premiere
Oscar-nominated Italian producer Donatella Palermo has boarded Eryk Rocha's documentary 'Elza' as a production associate ahead of its world premiere at the Rio Film Festival, followed by an international premiere in Rome, according to Variety.
The film profiles Brazilian singer Elza Soares. Soares died in 2022. Rocha's portrait runs 105 minutes and is listed as a 2026 Brazilian documentary.
Rio gives it the first outing. Festival do Rio runs from 1 to 11 October, according to Festival do Rio. 'Elza' will screen in Premiere Brasil, the festival's showcase for new national cinema. The 2026 edition will present more than 100 Brazilian films across Rio de Janeiro.
Rome comes next. The Rome Film Festival includes 'ELZA' by Eryk Rocha in its official 2026 programme, according to Rome Film Festival. That entry confirms the 105-minute running time and Brazilian origin.
Behind the camera, the structure is fully Brazilian. 'Elza' is produced by Aruac Filmes and Maria Farinha Filmes in co-production with Globo Filmes and GloboNews. Distribution is handled by Gullane+ and Maria Farinha Filmes.
Palermo is known for 'Fire at Sea' and 'Caesar Must Die'. Rocha arrives with recent festival form. His previous feature, 'The Falling Sky,' premiered in Directors' Fortnight, the parallel selection held alongside the Cannes Film Festival.
For fans, this means two quick chances to place the film. Rio will show how a home audience receives a story about one of its own voices. Rome will test how it travels.
