the festival, which is the result of two previous film festivals merging (rio cine festival and mostra banco nacional de cinema), has gained a reputation for bringing the best and most coveted cinema to rio de janeiro.

each year witnesses the premier of dozens of new films and documentaries, both from south america and the rest of the world, many of which are historically important - many winners of the sundance, cannes, and venice film festivals have all been shown at festival do rio, not to mention previous winners and oscar nominees.

the festival is headquartered in the heart of rio de janeiro, at the centro cultural da ação da cidadania, a huge building located near the docks - built in 1871, it was refurbished in 2002 and equipped with brand new multi seat cinemas and theatres.