Sean Penn , Julia Roberts , and John and Nancy Ross hosted a screening of Marianna Brennand’s debut film “Manas” on Saturday in Los Angeles.

The film, one of those vying to be the Oscar contender for Brazil, was introduced by Roberts and Penn, who serves as an executive producer. The screening was followed by a Q&A with Brennand, the film’s director, writer and producer, and its star, Dira Paes.

Roberts told the audience: “I am so excited for what’s about to happen to everyone in this room because it happened to me and it will change you. This movie is life-affirming in such a sad and beautiful and magical way.”

Building on that sentiment, Penn reflected on the first time he encountered Brennand, recalling: “At the Cannes Film Festival this year, there was a Kering Foundation dinner,

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