The 5 most iconic places to film in Brasília

Laís Chaves • 22 April 2024

The city is the capital of Brazil and has transformed the concept of architecture and urbanism on a global level.

Oscar Niemeyer, the celebrated Brazilian architect credited with designing the city of Brasília, once remarked: "Those who visit Brasília may or may not appreciate the palaces, but they cannot claim to have seen anything like it before”.


A landmark of Brazilian architecture, the city of Brasília is currently a political hub and one of the most significant cities in the country. However, over 60 years ago, Brasília was a sparsely inhabited region in the interior of Brazil, while Rio de Janeiro held the title of capital.


But in 1957, the then President of the Republic, Juscelino Kubitschek, signed a law that began the foundation of the city of Brasília, and three years later, the capital of Brazil was officially transferred to its new headquarters. In 2024, the metropolis celebrates 64 years of existence and continues to be an example of
avant-garde in architecture and urbanism.

Brasília Architecture: A Cinematic Backdrop

The fact that Brasília was a planned city, with significant figures in Brazilian architecture and urban planning involved in its development, has turned the capital into a global architectural landmark, drawing art enthusiasts, architecture students, and curious tourists to this day.


The modernist buildings designed by Brasília's architect, Oscar Niemeyer, blend the rawness of exposed concrete with the delicacy of glass and curved forms, turning what could be simple public buildings into true urban sculptures. This characteristic makes the city unique and
transforms Brasília into an iconic filming location in Brazil.


Discover 5 places in Brasília that are anything but obvious locations and that can serve as settings for your next production in Brazil:

1. Palácio do Planalto (Planalto Palace):

This is the official workplace of the President of Brazil. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it is an iconic example of modernist Brazilian architecture.

A large white building with columns and a blue sky in the background.

2. Catedral Metropolitana de Brasília (Brasília Cathedral):

Another architectural masterpiece by Oscar Niemeyer, the Brasília Cathedral is known for its hyperboloid structure and striking stained glass windows.

A large white building with a cross on top of it

3. Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza):

This square is where the three branches of the Brazilian government - the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches - are located. It features prominent landmarks such as the Palácio do Planalto, the Congresso Nacional (National Congress), and the Supremo Tribunal Federal (Supreme Federal Court), all designed by Niemeyer.

A large building with a blue sky in the background

4. Ponte JK (Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge):

Named after former Brazilian president Juscelino Kubitschek, the bridge is an engineering marvel and a symbol of Brasília's modernity and connectivity.

A white bridge with a blue sky in the background

5. Memorial JK (Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial):

Dedicated to the memory of President Juscelino Kubitschek, this memorial houses his remains and exhibits related to his life and legacy.

A statue of a man and woman sitting on a bench

Looking to capture unique images that showcase Brazil beyond the obvious? Brasília is the perfect destination, and Story Productions wants to be your partner in this adventure! We offer a full range of production services, casting, and even documentation for filming in Brazil. Get in touch with our team and we will help you to bring this project to life!

Share this story:

Get the latest news straight into your inbox!

Sign up to our newsletter and we'll keep you updated on all the important news around filming in Brazil with a few highlights from us.

Contact Us

Read another story

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park has officially been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Th
by Story Productions 14 August 2024
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park has officially been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation ceremony was held in New Delhi, India, on July 26 2024.
Story ProductionsLIVEU crew to interview Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer.
by Story Productions 5 August 2024
CNBC Europe teamed up with Story Productions to source our Rio based LIVEU crew to interview Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, during her first international trip in office.
by Story Productions 23 July 2024
RAI reporters collaborated with locally sourced LIVEU teams during Italian President Sergio Mattarella's visit to Brazil in July 2024. The Presidential visit marked the first state visit to Brazil by an Italian president in 24 years.
by Nick Story 19 July 2024
This interview with Eduardo Pradella, Story's casting producer, sheds light on the intricacies of casting and the nuanced approach required to excel in this profession.
by Story Productions 17 July 2024
At the 3rd Spcine Forum held from June 26 to 28 at the Cinemateca Brasileira in São Paulo, Marcelo Caetano and Ivan Melo, respectively the director and producer of the film, detailed the process of securing international financing and co-production involving professionals from Brazil, France, and the Netherlands.
by Story Productions 15 July 2024
At the 3rd Spcine Forum, held from June 26 to 28 at the Cinemateca Brasileira in São Paulo, Mariana Bardan and Eduardo Melo recounted how the idea for the series Cangaço Novo came about and the ten-year process until its distribution.
Show More