Penedo
About the Creative City:
Penedo thrives on cultural diversity, displaying a preserved historical and artistic heritage. Its historic centre was established as a national heritage site by the Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage in 1996. Penedo’s architecture is cinematographic by nature, drawing many tourists each year, thus contributing to the city’s cultural diversity, reflected in its international music, literature, and film festivals.
This city features Baroque churches along the São Francisco River, providing the picturesque backdrop for one of the city’s premier film festivals, such as the Penedo Film Circuit. A cinematic gem within Penedo is the iconic Cine Penedo complex, restored in 2023, containing a screening room, the Film School, and the Innovation Lab which all under the stewardship of the Federal University of Alagoas.
Penedo’s greatest asset is its inhabitants, whose sense of belonging and cultural engagement shape the essence of this creative city. In addition, the city's creative economy manifests across diverse categories, with a significant emphasis on Film, marking pivotal moments in its cultural history.
The city’s commitment to national and international cooperation is evident through a collaboration agreement with Santos, the only other City of Film in Latin America to date. Noteworthy collaborative efforts, such as a children’s education project on the Creative Economy in partnership with the creative Cities of Campina Grande, Fortaleza, and João Pessoa, underscore Penedo's willingness and capacity for cooperation.
Added Value:
As a Creative City of Film, Penedo is dedicated:
To intensify international cooperation, fostering access to best practices and knowledge exchange;
To play a proactive role within the Network, collaborating with cities across all clusters, especially in the field of film;
To promote and support local artists and creators of film; and
To anchor culture in public policies by reinforcing engagement and mobilizing local actors, aligning with the MONDIACULT 2022 declaration.
