Entertainment • 14h ago
Rio de Janeiro Hosts a Record 10,930 Days of Filming
**Nollywood on the Rise: Rio de Janeiro Records 10,930 Days of Filming**
In a remarkable feat, Rio de Janeiro has broken its own record by hosting a whopping 10,930 days of filming in 2025, marking a 24.6% increase from the previous year. This achievement was announced by Leonardo Edde, the president director of RioFilme, at the recent Fórum Audiovisual & Turismo, an event focused on how film and TV productions can boost Brazil's tourism and development.
According to RioFilme's Rio Film Commission, the city had over 30 production sets operating simultaneously throughout the year, catering to a diverse range of projects including films, series, TV shows, and commercials. Notably, Brazilian productions dominated the scene, accounting for a staggering 95.5% of shooting days, while foreign productions accounted for a mere 4.5%.
The success of Rio de Janeiro as a filming hub is a testament to the country's thriving entertainment industry. The city has surpassed Paris as the world's most popular filming destination, narrowing the gap with Madrid, which hosted 11,001 shooting days in 2025. Edde expressed his goal of attracting more foreign productions to Rio, acknowledging the strength of the Brazilian production market.
At the Fórum Audiovisual & Turismo, industry experts emphasized the impact of films on promoting tourism. Sérgio Sá Leitão, Brazil's former Minister of Culture, and Steve Solot, former senior VP for Latin America of MPA, stressed that films are a more effective way to promote a destination than traditional advertising. They highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the audiovisual and tourism sectors, which generate significant revenues and jobs.
The Nollywood industry, which is a significant contributor to Nigeria's entertainment sector, can take inspiration from Rio de Janeiro's success. By leveraging partnerships with international producers and investing in world-class infrastructure, Nigeria's film industry can further grow and attract more global attention.
Rio de Janeiro's achievement serves as a reminder of the potential for the entertainment industry to drive economic growth and cultural exchange. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how Nigeria and other countries can replicate this success and become major players on the global entertainment stage.