Rio2C brings celebrities and experts; see program highlights

The 2026 edition of Rio2C promises to bring together some of the main names in the global creative industry in a program that mixes entertainment, audiovisual, music, technology, sport and digital culture.

The event takes place from May 26th to 31st, at Cidade das Artes, and will feature dozens of panels with Brazilian and international artists, executives and experts.

Among the international highlights is Adam Chase, executive producer and screenwriter of more than 140 episodes of the series "Friends". He participates in a panel alongside Fábio Porchat to discuss the limits of humor in the age of social media and how comedy can cross different cultures.

Another big name is Javier Gómez Santander, executive producer of the series "La Casa de Papel". The Spaniard participates in debates about audiovisual creation, copyright and behind the scenes of major global productions.

The event will also feature a meeting between Alcione and Iza in a panel on ancestry, representation and legacy of Brazilian black music. Zeca Pagodinho participates in a conversation alongside Regina Casé about memory, popular culture and artistic trajectory.

Brazilian audiovisual will also have a large space in the programming. Marina Ruy Barbosa participates in a debate about biopics and adaptation of real stories, while Thalita Rebouças talks about the challenges of creating stories for an increasingly connected and multi-screen audience.

The Brazilian guests also include names such as Caco Barcellos, Malu Gaspar, Camila Fremder, Heloísa Périssé, Xamã, Ferrugem, Luedji Luna, Xand Avião and Gabriela Medvedovsky.

The digital universe will also have an important space in programming. Creators Igão and Mítica, from Podpah, participate in debates about the creator economy, digital formats and audience expansion.

The program also includes panels on artificial intelligence, streaming, vertical narratives, TikTok, podcasts, investigative journalism, sports, marketing, branding and pop culture. Companies like Globo, Warner Bros. Discovery, YouTube and TikTok will also be present at the event.

In addition to the lectures, Rio2C will feature workshops, immersive experiences, business rounds, masterclasses and meetings aimed at training new professionals in the creative industry.

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Source: CNN