The founder of the New York Brazilian Film Series is creating opportunities for Brazilian artists, filmmakers, musicians, writers, and performers to share their stories with new audiences.
For many people outside Brazil, the country’s culture is often reduced to a handful of familiar stereotypes.
Soccer.
Samba.
Carnival.
Beautiful beaches.
While those elements are certainly part of Brazil’s identity, they only scratch the surface of one of the most culturally rich and diverse countries in the world.
That is exactly what Roger Costa Jr. is working to change.
In this episode of Tarik Talk, I sat down with Roger Costa Jr., founder of the New York Brazilian Film Series and Brazil Productions, to discuss his mission of promoting Brazilian culture in New York, creating opportunities for artists, and helping audiences discover the many stories that exist beyond the stereotypes.
Throughout our conversation, Roger’s passion for Brazil was impossible to miss.
A Love for Arts, Culture, and Storytelling
Originally from Salvador, Bahia, Roger developed a passion for arts, language, cinema, and photography at a young age.
Growing up in one of Brazil’s most culturally vibrant regions had a lasting impact on how he views creativity and community.
Salvador is often considered the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, known for its music, food, traditions, spirituality, and artistic expression.
Even after moving away from Brazil, Roger explained that Brazil never truly left him.
His culture, history, ancestry, and upbringing continue to influence everything he does.
Rather than simply remembering where he came from, he actively works to share those experiences with others.
Creating Opportunities for Brazilian Artists
Roger is the founder of Brazil Productions, an organization dedicated to showcasing Brazilian culture and helping artists find audiences for their work.
His goal is simple but powerful.
Find talented Brazilian artists living in New York, New Jersey, and beyond.
Give them a platform.
Help people discover their work.
Whether someone is a filmmaker, photographer, painter, musician, writer, dancer, or performer, Roger believes every artist deserves an opportunity to be seen.
Many talented creatives never receive the visibility they deserve.
Through Brazil Productions and the New York Brazilian Film Series, he is helping change that.
The New York Brazilian Film Series
One of Roger’s most exciting projects is the New York Brazilian Film Series.
Taking place at Cinema Village in Manhattan’s East Village, the event goes far beyond traditional film screenings.
Roger intentionally designed the series as a multidisciplinary cultural experience.
Film remains the foundation, but audiences also encounter music, dance, literature, visual arts, photography, artist talks, and live performances.
His vision reflects something he learned growing up in Bahia.
Brazilian culture thrives through connection.
Music connects with dance.
Food connects with community.
Art connects with storytelling.
Everything exists together.
Instead of separating disciplines, Roger brings them into the same space.
The result is an event that feels less like a film festival and more like a celebration of Brazilian culture.
Showcasing a Different Side of Brazil
One theme that surfaced repeatedly throughout our conversation was representation.
Too often, stories about Brazil focus exclusively on crime, poverty, politics, or stereotypes.
Roger believes there is another side of Brazil that deserves equal attention.
A country shaped by Indigenous traditions.
Afro-Brazilian culture.
European influences.
Middle Eastern communities.
Asian communities.
Artists.
Writers.
Musicians.
Innovators.
Creative thinkers.
By highlighting these voices, he hopes audiences become curious about Brazil in a deeper way.
Not simply as a tourist destination but as a place filled with extraordinary cultural complexity and creativity.
Collaborating with Major Cultural Institutions
Roger’s work has also led to collaborations with major institutions and events.
Recently, he participated in programming connected to the New York Black Film Festival, where he helped spotlight Brazilian cinema and artists.
One notable guest was artist Tadásia Maria, who gained international attention for her groundbreaking project at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Roger expressed pride in seeing Brazilian artists represented at some of the world’s most respected cultural institutions.
For him, every success story helps create opportunities for future generations.
Every achievement opens another door.
Community Day das Crianças
Another major project Roger is developing is Community Day das Crianças at the Newark Museum of Art.
The event celebrates Children’s Day, a beloved Brazilian tradition, while introducing families to Brazilian culture through performances, art activities, music, crafts, games, and educational experiences.
Scheduled as a free community event, the program reflects Roger’s belief that culture should be accessible.
Art should bring people together.
Families should feel welcome.
And children should have opportunities to connect with their heritage while also sharing it with others.
The Theme of Resistance
One of the most powerful ideas Roger shared was the concept of resistance.
When curating cultural programs, he often looks for stories of perseverance and determination.
Stories about people who overcome obstacles.
Stories about artists who create despite difficult circumstances.
Stories about individuals who continue moving forward when others expect them to stop.
Whether highlighting internationally recognized artists, emerging filmmakers, immigrant voices, female musicians, or first-time authors, Roger is drawn to people whose journeys demonstrate resilience.
For him, resistance is not simply about struggle.
It is about hope.
It is about continuing to create.
It is about refusing to give up.
Looking Toward the Future
When asked where he hopes to be twenty years from now, Roger’s answer reflected his lifelong commitment to culture.
He hopes to continue creating opportunities.
Continue supporting artists.
Continue building bridges between Brazil and the United States.
And continue helping people discover the beauty, diversity, and richness of Brazilian culture.
Listening to him speak, it became clear that this work is not simply a profession.
It is a mission.
Final Thoughts
What impressed me most about Roger Costa Jr. was his belief in community.
In a time when many cultural events focus on individual success, Roger’s work centers on collective growth.
He wants artists to succeed together.
He wants audiences to discover new voices.
He wants people from different backgrounds to connect through culture.
Most importantly, he wants the world to see a fuller picture of Brazil.
Not the simplified version.
Not the stereotypes.
But the real Brazil.
A country filled with creativity, diversity, resilience, and extraordinary talent.
And thanks to people like Roger Costa Jr., more of those stories are finding their way to New York City and beyond.
About Tarik Talk Podcast
Tarik Talk Podcast is an international arts and culture podcast hosted by artist Tarik Mendes. With more than 200 episodes across 50 seasons filmed in over 10 countries, the podcast features conversations with artists, curators, museum professionals, collectors, cultural leaders, and creative innovators from around the world.
Recorded inside artist studios, museums, galleries, art fairs, and cultural institutions, Tarik Talk explores the personal stories, creative processes, challenges, inspirations, and career journeys that shape today’s contemporary art landscape.
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