Begin Again Films Secures International Deal for Brazilian Basketball Biopic
Spain‑based Begin Again Films has secured an international sales agreement for the biopic "Paula & Hortência – The Last Chance," chronicling the careers of Brazil’s basketball icons. The film, directed by Georgia Guerra‑Peixe Joca, stars Tainá Müller and Juliana Didone and will release in late 2027…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Spain‑based Begin Again Films has announced an international sales deal for the upcoming biopic Paula & Hortência – The Last Chance, a film that celebrates the careers of two of Brazil’s most celebrated women basketball players. The project, directed by Georgia Guerra‑Peixe Joca and written by Patricia Corso, will see Tainá Müller portray Paula, while Juliana Didone takes on the role of Hortência. The movie is slated for release in the second half of 2027 and will be produced by Café Royal in partnership with Trema and U.S.‑based Belladonna.
Who Are Paula and Hortência?
Paula and Hortência are widely regarded as the pioneers who propelled Brazilian women’s basketball onto the world stage. Their partnership led Brazil to a world championship in 1994, held in Australia, and a silver medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. The two athletes’ rivalry and camaraderie were central to the sport’s rise in popularity and helped establish a new era of recognition for women’s basketball in Brazil.
The Story Behind the Screen
The biopic follows the pivotal moment when Hortência, a new mother who had retired from professional play, receives a call to rejoin the national team for the 1996 Olympics. Told from Paula’s perspective, the film explores the complex relationship between the two stars, highlighting their challenges, disagreements, and ultimately, the partnership that defined one of Brazil’s most successful sports eras. Joca describes the film as a "feminine, delicate, and intimate biopic that touches upon current themes such as maternity, rivalry, empathy, and sorority." The director’s approach blends fiction with archival footage, creating a hybrid narrative that pays homage to the athletes’ final moments on the court in 1996.
Production and Partnerships
Paula Cosenza, a veteran producer and co‑founder of Trema, a new production banner headed by director Gabriel Mascaro, is one of the film’s key backers. Trema’s involvement marks one of its first major projects, signaling the company’s ambition to bring Brazilian stories to global audiences. Café Royal, a production house that has worked with international partners, co‑produces the film alongside Belladonna, a U.S.‑based company that brings additional resources and distribution expertise.
Gloria Bretones, co‑CEO of Begin Again Films and head of international sales, expressed enthusiasm for the project: "We fell in love with the project from the very beginning. It has a distinctive voice, a strong cinematic identity, and that special combination of emotion and originality we always look for at Begin Again Films." Bretones highlighted the universal appeal of sports stories, noting that basketball’s themes of passion, effort, teamwork, and resilience resonate worldwide.
Adriana Tavares, partner at Café Royal, emphasized the cultural significance of the film: "Paula and Hortência are absolute legends of Brazilian sports. Telling their story is a way of immortalizing their legacy. Partnering with Begin Again Films fills us with pride, as it allows us to bring this powerful narrative beyond our borders. It connects global audiences with the triumph, grit, and passion of these incredible women, while showcasing the power of Brazilian cinema."
Why This Matters for Global Audiences
The partnership between Begin Again Films and the Brazilian production teams demonstrates a growing trend of cross‑border collaboration in sports cinema. By bringing a story rooted in Brazilian culture to an international market, the film offers audiences worldwide a glimpse into the country’s rich sporting heritage and the powerful stories of its female athletes. The film’s release in 2027 will coincide with a broader push for increased representation of women in sports media, aligning with global conversations about gender equity and empowerment.
What’s Next?
With the international sales deal in place, the film will now move into the final stages of post‑production. Once completed, it is expected to debut at major international film festivals before a wider theatrical release. The partnership also opens doors for future co‑productions between Spanish and Brazilian studios, potentially expanding the reach of Latin American sports narratives on the world stage.
As the film’s release approaches, fans of Brazilian basketball and sports enthusiasts alike can look forward to a compelling, emotionally resonant portrayal of two athletes whose legacy continues to inspire new generations.
Key facts
- Begin Again Films secures international sales for "Paula & Hortência – The Last Chance".
- Film follows the careers of Brazil’s basketball legends Paula and Hortência.
- Production backed by Café Royal, Trema, and Belladonna.
- Director blends fiction with archival footage to highlight themes of maternity and rivalry.
- The project underscores global interest in Brazilian sports cinema.
- Release set for the second half of 2027.
Why it matters
By spotlighting the stories of Paula and Hortência, the film celebrates female athletic achievement and provides a culturally rich narrative that can inspire audiences worldwide, reinforcing the importance of diverse representation in sports media.
Frequently asked questions
When will the film be released?
The biopic is scheduled for release in the second half of 2027.
Who are the main actors?
Tainá Müller plays Paula, while Juliana Didone portrays Hortência.
What is the film’s central theme?
The movie explores the relationship between the two athletes, focusing on rivalry, empathy, and the impact of motherhood on their careers.
Which production companies are involved?
The film is produced by Café Royal, Trema, and Belladonna, with international sales handled by Begin Again Films.
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “Spain’s Begin Again Films Boards Brazilian Basketball Biopic ‘Paula & Hortência – The Last Chance’ (EXCLUSIVE)”
