Instituto CPFL launches documentary series on Brazil and China

Available on YouTube, the production shows how the two countries have become partners in diverse areas such as trade, culture, diplomacy, science and technology.

This month, Instituto CPFL launched the documentary series “Brasil e China“. The episodes were broadcast on TV Cultura and are now available on the YouTube channel CPFL Intercâmbio Brasil-China. Divided into three episodes, the series explores how relations between the two countries have strengthened over the past decades, with direct impacts on the economy, culture, education, science, technology and human connections.

With sponsorship from CPFL Energia and produced by Produtora Brasileira, the series brings real stories, interviews and joint projects that reveal how Brazil and China have become strategic allies in a world in transition.

The documentary explores five decades of commercial relations between the two countries, as well as student exchanges, scientific cooperation and personal bonds that transcend geographic and cultural borders. It also features striking cinematography and stunning aerial drone footage from both Brazil and China.

“Brazil and China share a history of rapprochement that goes far beyond diplomacy. This series shows how these relations translate into concrete experiences of collaboration and learning, and how these connections can point to future paths.”

Daniela Ortolani Pagotto – Head of Instituto CPFL

A must-watch series

Rich in information and full of inspiring interviews, “Brasil e China” allows viewers to travel through half a century of diplomatic and commercial relations. Each episode builds a broader vision and, by the end of the series, audiences gain a wide perspective of the potential of this partnership.

Watch the teaser and all three full episodes below.

Teaser of the documentary series “Brasil e China”

The trailer begins with an impactful and optimistic statement: “Brazil is a country that cannot go wrong. That’s how they see Brazil.” This sets the tone for the inspiring series ahead.

Episode 1 – China and Brazil: Economic Relations

The first episode explores the economic relationship between the two countries, highlighting advances in trade partnerships and their geopolitical impact. It presents impressive data on bilateral trade since diplomatic relations were established in 1974.

“At that time, China’s level of economic development was comparable to that of Northeast Brazil. The country’s development process is astonishing: in four decades it became the world’s second-largest economy”, highlights Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, Professor of Law at UFF and FGV, and a member of the China Studies Chair in Wuhan.

Today, bilateral trade has reached about US$ 150 billion. “Brazil profits greatly from China”, emphasizes Charles Tang, President of the Brazil-China Chamber of Commerce. In 2024 alone, Brazil recorded a US$ 54 billion trade surplus, exporting far more than it imports.

The episode also features Claudia Trevisan, journalist, author and Executive Director of the Brazil-China Business Council (CEBC), who witnessed China’s rapid growth while working as a correspondent in Beijing. Other participants include Professor José Luiz Tejon, an agribusiness expert, who discusses food security and the role of Brazilian agriculture, and Professor Nivalde de Castro, coordinator of GESEL at UFRJ, who analyzes Brazil and China’s role in the energy transition.

Note from the author: don’t miss the end credits music of this episode. I was captivated by the song “Out of the Blind” by Chinese singer Annie Zhou, which went straight to my playlist.

Episode 2 – China and Brazil: Technology, Culture and Education

The second episode delves into connections in technology, culture and education, highlighting long-standing cooperation on environmental and climate-monitoring satellites, as explained by INPE experts. The documentary shows how Brazil can leverage this partnership to advance in sectors such as biotechnology and robotics.

Another highlight focuses on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with Dr. André Tsai, a physician and acupuncturist, sharing his experience and demonstrating how TCM serves as an important complement to Western medicine, with a strong emphasis on prevention and mental well-being.

The teaching of Mandarin is also a key theme, presented by Dr. Gao Qinxiang, Director of the Confucius Institute at Unicamp, and his team.

The episode also highlights personal stories that go beyond economics, encompassing art, medicine, sports, philosophy, language, knowledge, and – above all – love, friendship, and mutual admiration between the two nations. A remarkable example is 20-year-old student and singer Maria Eduarda: after learning Mandarin through YouTube and free apps, her passion for Chinese songs led her to win a music contest and earn a trip to China, broadening her personal horizons.

Episode 3 – China and Brazil: Relations and Connections

Closing the series, the third episode focuses on human and emotional ties, highlighting stories of friendship, exchange and collaboration between Brazilians and Chinese.

It emphasizes the similarities between the two peoples, debunking stereotypes and showing the Chinese as warm, welcoming and joyful, much like Brazilians. The documentary reinforces how cultural exchange is essential for fostering mutual understanding.

One of the most touching moments is the friendship between Brazilian influencer Vanessa Estrella and Chinese lawyer Sara Hong Zha from CPFL Energia. Their conversations about tea rituals, traditions and friendship reveal cultural bonds enriched by mutual admiration. Sara shares how her family adapted to life in Brazil, valuing its lightness and joy, while Vanessa describes how Chinese culture inspired her to seek a serene and tranquil life.

The episode also features insights from Professor Evandro Menezes de Carvalho and Pedro Ortega Terra, Director of the Department of China, Russia and Central Asia at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

About Instituto CPFL

Since 2003, Instituto CPFL (ICPFL) has been the private social investment platform of Grupo CPFL Energia, developing projects in the areas of sports and culture as strategic tools for social transformation in the communities where the group operates. Aligned with the CPFL Group’s ESG Strategy, its mission is to generate positive and lasting impacts and to build a promising future for society through five areas of action:

• CPFL Jovem Geração
• CPFL Intercâmbio Brasil-China
• Circuito CPFL
• CPFL nos Hospitais
• Café Filosófico CPFL

Instituto CPFL has become a benchmark in the sector, recognized for its excellence in applying government incentive laws to social and cultural initiatives. Learn more at www.institutocpfl.org.br.