On Behalf Of My Son, Gabriel Martins’ New Film , Selected For The 2026 Toronto International Film Festival

São Paulo, July 21, 2026 - The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) announced today (21) that On Behalf of My Son , the latest feature from Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Martins, has been selected in the Platform Section of the festival's 51st edition. Produced by Filmes de Plástico in partnership with Netflix, the film further showcases the strength of Brazilian storytelling on the global stage through its powerful and emotionally resonant narrative. The selection marks another major international milestone for Martins, whose acclaimed Mars One premiered at international festivals in 2022 and went on to earn worldwide recognition. "Premiering at TIFF is a huge recognition," says director Gabriel Martins. " On Behalf of My Son is deeply rooted in Brazilian culture, but at its heart it speaks to universal human experiences. We can't wait to share this journey with audiences." The film follows Vicentina (Rejane Faria), who is devastated after her son Wesley, a bus driver, dies in a tragic accident. As the investigation progresses, evidence begins to suggest that Wesley may have intentionally caused the crash. Faced with this possibility, Vicentina embarks on a courageous journey to seek out the victims' families and ask for their forgiveness, while confronting her own grief and deepest doubts. Produced by the acclaimed Filmes de Plástico, one of the leading forces in contemporary Brazilian cinema, On Behalf of My Son features an outstanding cast, including Rejane Faria, Flavio Bauraqui, Giovanna Heliodoro, Giovanni Venturini, Grace Passô, Karine Teles, Maíra Azevedo, Renato Novaes, and Thalma de Freitas. Gabriel Martins serves as director, screenwriter, and creator of the original story. On Behalf of My Son premieres in 2026. About On Behalf of My Son Synopsis: On a sunny morning in the city of Belo Horizonte, a crowded public bus makes its way downtown. As it crosses an overpass, the vehicle suddenly swerves, veers off the road, and crashes onto the avenue below. One passenger is left critically injured, while everyone else -- including Wesley, the driver -- is killed. The tragedy dominates television broadcasts and newspaper headlines across the country. Security cameras from both the bus and the roadway capture the moment of the crash, and after the footage is analyzed, speculation begins to spread that the driver may have acted intentionally. Vicentina, a 75-year-old retired schoolteacher and Wesley's mother, is devastated by the tragedy and uncertain of how to move forward. She decides to seek out the victims' families and apologize. The road ahead proves difficult to navigate, and the answers Vicentina longs for are not always the ones she finds. Director: Gabriel Martins Producer: Thiago Macêdo Correia Original Story: Gabriel Martins Screenplay: Gabriel Martins Music: Tiganá Santana Cinematography: Leonardo Feliciano Editing: Gabriel Martins, Thiago Ricarte Sound: Tiago Bello (Edição e Mixagem); Gustavo Fioravante (Gravação) Production Design: Rimenna Procópio Costume Design: Diana Moreira Special Effects: Rodrigo Jinks, Marcelo Cabral, Cajamanga, Quanta Production Company: Filmes de Plástico Cast: Rejane Faria (Vicentina); Maíra Azevedo (Joana); Renato Novaes (Wesley/Bruno); Giovanni Venturini (Fred); Giovanna Heliodoro (Gisele); Grace Passô (Isabel); Marisa Revert (Vera); Fernanda Vianna (Marta); Clébia Sousa (Solange); Fábio Leal (Victor); Docy Moreira (Marluce); Carlos Francisco (Antônio); Thalma de Freitas (Cleide); Flavio Bauraqui (Luiz); Bárbara Colen (Amélia); presenting Miguelzinho do Cavaco (Himself). About Netflix: Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services offering TV series, films, games and live programming across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time. About Filmes de Plástico Founded in 2009 by André Novais Oliveira, Gabriel Martins, Maurilio Martins, and Thiago Macêdo Correia, FILMES DE PLÁSTICO is one of Brazil's leading film production companies, recognized for films that portray Black and working-class communities with honesty and dignity. Its productions have been screened and awarded at major international festivals - such as Cannes, Berlin, Sundance, Locarno, and Rotterdam - and, in 2023, the company represented Brazil as the official submission for the 95th Academy Awards® with the film Mars One ( Marte Um ). In addition to developing its own projects locally, the production company also works to train and foster new talent within its community. Press Contacts Ágora Agency | [email protected]