Explore Sunessis De Brito’s Cannes 2026 vision and global storycraft
Sunessis De Brito on Cannes 2026, International Distribution, and Crafting Global Stories
Multifaceted Brazilian actress, singer, and dancer Sunessis De Brito is making her mark across the global entertainment landscape. Having built a dynamic career spanning film, television, and theatre since transitioning to the U.S. market in 2018, De Brito continues to showcase remarkable range in projects like the action-drama Blow for Blow and the true-story thriller Deadly Vows. Fresh off an action-packed appearance at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival—where she represented her film at the Marché du Film, championed Latin American storytellers on Deadline’s groundbreaking panel, and walked high-profile red carpets—she sat down with Film Daily.
Below, De Brito opens up about navigating international distribution, the evolving intersection of digital trends and indie financing, adapting her craft for screen and stage, and her upcoming role as Solena del Monte in Her Red-Haired Alibi.
Cannes spotlight on Latin stories
Hi Sunessis – it’s great to meet you, and we’re excited to get to know you. Let’s jump right in!
FD: You had an action-packed schedule at Cannes 2026, from attending the Eve Ball Gala to participating in panels like Deadline’s "From Market to Mandate: Latin Stories in Global Films". How did participating in these discussions highlight the evolving demand for Latin American storytellers in the global market?
SUNESSIS: Deadline’s panel was epic and I attend it to support Latino artists. It was the first panel during Cannes Film Festival which highlighted Latino filmmakers, giving them more exposure to share their incredible work and experience.
Deadly Vows sparks global sales
FD: While at the Marché du Film, you partnered with One, Two, Three Media to represent your feature Deadly Vows. What was it like navigating international sales distribution conversations on such a major stage?
SUNESSIS: It was wonderful to attend Cannes Film Market 2026 with lead producer Bella Bahar Danesh, who brought this true story to life. At OneTwoThree Media’s booth, “Deadly Vows”-now released on all streaming platforms-drew a lot of interest. The film highlights themes of domestic violence, healing, and women’s empowerment.
FD: Beyond market meetings, you attended events focused on industry innovation and finance, such as The Hollywood Reporter x Meta chatter and Film Investment in Motion. What were your key takeaways regarding how digital trends and independent financing are shaping the future for actors and producers?
Digital trends reshape indie financing
SUNESSIS: Digital distribution is changing what gets financed and investors increasingly want evidence of who the audience is and how a project will reach them, not just a strong script or recognizable cast; building an audience and a personal brand can have tangible financing value; smaller budgets can be an advantage and creative vision + credible business case is becoming a stronger combination.
FD: Cannes blends high-stakes industry business with glamour, like the DPA Cannes Gifting Suite and gala events. What was your absolute favorite personal or professional highlight from your time in France this year?
SUNESSIS: The red carpet for the premiere of the South Korean film “Gun-Che” (Internationally known as Colony) directed by Yeon Sang-ho. La Sélection Privée was such a unique experience, I discovered incredible designers and pieces that made me feel confident, powerful, and one of a kind.
From Brazil to Hollywood: transition
FD: You’ve been working steadily in the U.S. entertainment industry since 2018, spanning film, television, and theatre. How has your experience transition-wise differed between working in Brazil and navigating the American market?
SUNESSIS: It was a big shift regarding industry structure, Brazil’s entertainment industry can feel more relationship- and community-driven, whereas the U.S. market is often more segmented, with agents, managers, casting directors, unions, lawyers, producers, and studios each playing distinct roles.
FD: Your recent projects showcase impressive range, from action/drama in Blow for Blow to thriller elements in Deadly Vows. What draws you to a script when choosing your screen roles?
Choosing scripts that ignite passion
SUNESSIS: A compelling character, personal connection, emotional complexity, creative challenge and the director and creative team. It’s what the character makes me feel and what story gives me an opportunity to explore.
FD: On television, you’ve appeared in hit series like The Bay (Tubi/Peacock) and My American Family (Amazon Prime). How do you adapt your acting approach when stepping into episodic television versus feature films?
SUNESSIS: I think the biggest adjustment is that episodic television requires an actor to think in terms of an evolving journey, while a feature often allows you to build toward one contained arc.
Music and movement power performance
FD: You are a triple threat—an actress, singer, and dancer. How does your background in music and movement influence your physical performance and character development on camera?
SUNESSIS: Being an actress, singer and dancer has taught me that storytelling doesn’t live only in the words. It also lives in rhythm, breath, movement, and presence. On camera, where a very small gesture can communicate so much, that awareness becomes specially valuable.
FD: Given your background in musical talent and dramatic performance, are there specific genres or dream roles—such as a full-fledged musical feature or a period drama—you are eager to tackle next?
Solena del Monte awaits debut
SUNESSIS: I am excited to take on the role of Solena del Monte on the on going production of the film “Her Red-Haired Alibi” wrote and directed by Caroline B. McNamara and produced by Mark Headley. It’s a remake of an Hollywood film from 1932.
FD: As an international artist building a dynamic global footprint, what advice would you give to other Latin American performers looking to expand their careers internationally?
SUNESSIS: Expanding internationally requires you to be willing to learn a new industry-understand how the market works, build relationships, improve your craft, and be patience with the process. I also believe you have to think beyond waiting for someone to give you an opportunity. Create, collaborate and develop your own projects.
Follow Sunessis on Instagram
Where can fans find you on socials? Instagram: @sunessisdebrito // IMDb: Sunessis de Brito IMDb
Photo credit: Bjoern Kommerell
