Mumbai: National Award-winning actor and producer Anjali Patil’s film ‘Selvi’ has been selected for the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival, where it will compete in the New Filmmakers Competition.

The selection comes shortly after the film’s world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival, making São Paulo the second international film festival to select the drama.

The recognition adds to the growing international journey of ‘Selvi’, which has drawn attention for its filmmaking and creative team.

‘Selvi’ heads to São Paulo

The 50th edition of the São Paulo International Film Festival holds particular significance for the team as the festival celebrates its Golden Jubilee year.

Anjali Patil, who has produced the film, said being part of the milestone edition was a matter of pride for the team.

“São Paulo completing 50 years makes this selection really special. It’s a Golden Jubilee year for one of the most celebrated and largest film festivals in South America, so to be part of this edition makes us very proud,” Anjali said.

The film’s inclusion in the New Filmmakers Competition will give it an opportunity to reach a wider international audience and compete alongside works by emerging filmmakers from different parts of the world.

Anjali Patil writes to Walter Salles

The São Paulo selection also has a personal significance for Anjali, owing to her admiration for Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles.

Anjali revealed that she has written to Salles, requesting him to watch ‘Selvi’ during the film’s run at the festival.

Salles is known internationally for films including ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ and ‘I’m Still Here’. Anjali said his work has had a deep influence on her since her days at the National School of Drama (NSD).

“Brazil also has a very personal connection for me because of Walter Salles. His films, especially The Motorcycle Diaries and I’m Still Here, have had a tremendous impact on me since my days at the National School of Drama,” she said.

Anjali said she had informed Salles about the film’s selection and shared how influential his cinema had been in her own artistic journey.

“I’ve written to him to tell him that our film is coming to São Paulo and that his films have been a big part of my life. It would be such an honour if he gets to watch Selvi there,” she added.

Award-winning technical team

‘Selvi’ has brought together several acclaimed names from Indian cinema behind the camera.

The film is co-produced by the Red Sea Fund, an initiative of the Red Sea International Film Festival, and is supported by Hong Kong Asia Film Financing.

Nine-time National Award winner A Sreekar Prasad has edited the film. His involvement adds considerable experience to the project, with the veteran editor having worked across several major Indian film productions.

The sound design has been handled by National Award winner Anand Krishnamoorthi, who was honoured for his work on ‘Ponniyin Selvan: Part I’.

The technical team’s award-winning credentials complement the film’s international festival presence, with ‘Selvi’ now set to be showcased at two prominent global film festivals.

Archana Padmini and Vinoth Kishan in cast

The core cast of the drama includes Archana Padmini and Vinoth Kishan alongside Anjali Patil.

Following its world premiere at Busan, the São Paulo selection marks another important step in the film’s festival journey. Its participation in the New Filmmakers Competition is expected to further introduce the film to audiences, filmmakers and industry professionals in South America.

For Anjali, the selection also carries a personal resonance, combining the international recognition of her film with her long-standing admiration for Brazilian cinema and Walter Salles.

With its second international festival selection and an acclaimed creative team, ‘Selvi’ continues to build momentum on the global festival circuit.