Brazilian director Rafaela Camelo has assembled a noteworthy cast for her upcoming feature “The Favorite Daughter,” securing acclaimed actresses Luciana Paes and Camila Márdila for the lead roles. Paes, known for her work in “Friendly Beast” and collaborations with respected filmmakers, will portray Amélia, while Márdila, who earned recognition at Sundance for her performance in “The Second Mother,” takes on the role of Luiza. The film marks Camelo’s follow-up to “The Nature of Invisible Things,” which garnered critical acclaim following its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in 2025.
The narrative centers on two sisters confronting their shared history when Luiza returns home from Germany after an extended absence. Their family reunion takes an unexpected turn upon discovering their father has fathered a third daughter, prompting the siblings to embark on a transformative journey through Ceará’s backlands. According to Camelo, the story explores themes of family identity and the release of familial expectations, with humor serving as both emotional relief and tension management among the characters.
“The Favorite Daughter,” co-written by Camelo and André Araújo, represents an international collaboration between Brazilian production company Deberton Filmes and German production house Carousel Film. Paes expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting her eagerness to explore the complex sisterly dynamic with depth and authenticity alongside her co-star Márdila.
Originally reported by Variety →
About the Author
