Streets of Glória Wins Best American Film at Septimius Awards 2025 : Brazilian Film Drama Triumphs

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands — In a thrilling victory for South American cinema, the Brazilian drama Streets of Glória (Ruas da Glória) was awarded the Best American Film trophy at the Septimius Awards 2025. The acclaimed film, written and directed by Felipe Sholl, was recognized during the glittering ceremony on Thursday, September 4, 2025, hosted within the palatial, historical confines of the Tuschinski Theater in the Dutch capital.

The Septimius Awards, a prominent event celebrating the best of global independent and mainstream film, television, and music, placed a major spotlight on this compelling Brazilian production. The Best American Film category encompasses the vast cinematic output of the entire American continent, making Streets of Glória's win a particularly significant milestone for the film and for contemporary Brazilian storytelling. The victory validates the film’s powerful artistic vision and its unflinching portrayal of life and identity in a vibrant, complex urban landscape.

Accepting the Honor

Though director Felipe Sholl and producer Daniel van Hoogstraten were unable to attend the prestigious event, the honor was proudly accepted by two of the film’s central figures: actors Alejandro Claveaux and Caio Macedo. The two stars, whose complex on-screen dynamic anchors the film's narrative, stood together on the stage of the Tuschinski Theater to represent the dedicated cast and crew.

Claveaux and Macedo, who embody the emotionally charged relationship between the troubled escort Adriano and the obsessive literature teacher Gabriel, expressed their collective gratitude for the international recognition. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort required to bring such an emotionally raw and sensitive story to the screen. The award’s acceptance was a moment of pride for the actors, who acted as ambassadors for the film’s commitment to exploring nuanced, human themes far beyond the borders of Brazil.

The Unflinching Heart of Glória

Streets of Glória is set in the eponymous neighborhood of Glória in Rio de Janeiro, a district known for its eclectic atmosphere, blending historical architecture with a spirited nightlife. The film introduces the audience to Gabriel, a young, well-off literature teacher who is seeking direction and meaning in the wake of a deep personal tragedy. Driven by a mix of grief and intellectual curiosity, Gabriel delves into the area’s underground culture.

His world changes fundamentally upon meeting Adriano, a charismatic male escort. Their relationship quickly becomes intense and consuming, providing Gabriel with an emotional escape but also leading him down a path of increasing obsession. When Adriano suddenly vanishes, Gabriel’s life unravels. His search for the truth about the missing man compels him to cross a pivotal line: he adopts a new persona, becoming an escort himself in a desperate attempt to trace Adriano’s steps and understand his life.

Director Felipe Sholl’s approach to the subject matter is distinguished by its delicate balance of realism and empathy. The film avoids easy judgment, instead offering a profound look at marginalized lives, showcasing the resilience, community, and complicated reality of sex work and addiction. The streets of Glória are not merely a backdrop but an essential character, alive with hidden codes and an emotional landscape that mirrors the characters’ internal struggles.

The film's ultimate arc is one of radical self-discovery and transformation. Gabriel’s initial voyeuristic interest turns into full, painful immersion, forcing him to shed his previous identity. By the film's conclusion, he finds an unexpected, non-traditional form of family and belonging among the people of Glória, signifying a hard-won acceptance of a life outside conventional societal norms.

A Major American Cinematic Achievement

The Septimius Award for Best American Film validates Streets of Glória as a major contribution to the cinematic conversation of the Americas. The film’s critical success highlights a rising tide of honest, powerful, and artistically sophisticated storytelling coming out of Brazil. It exemplifies the Septimius Awards’ core mission to celebrate cinema that is both culturally specific and universally impactful.

The grandeur of the Tuschinski Theater provided a fitting setting for an award that recognizes excellence on a continental scale. The win in Amsterdam ensures that Streets of Glória will reach an even wider global audience, underscoring the film’s significance as a compelling, must-see cinematic achievement of the year.