At just 15 years old, actor Gabriel Brennecke takes a decisive step in his career by starring in the short film Laser-Gato, selected for the La Cinef section of the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious showcases for new talent in world cinema. Originally from the interior of São Paulo state, the young artist has been building a career marked by work in television and film, now further enhanced by international recognition. In an interview, Gabriel talks about the experience of being part of a production screened at Cannes and the next steps in his rising career.
Gabriel, arriving in Cannes at 15 years old with a short film selected for La Cinef is a very significant event. How did you receive this news and what went through your mind at that moment?
I felt very happy. I wasn’t expecting it, but it was a very good thing. And it really does bring back memories. The filming was a delight, this team is very good and fun, so everything feels light. It’s good to film. Lucas, who is the director, has this gift of keeping things light, and then everything turns out well, no matter how hectic the filming is.
You started acting as a child, at age 7, and now you’re experiencing a moment of international recognition. What do you feel has changed in you as an actor throughout this journey?
I feel that, as an actor, I’ve evolved a lot. I’ve had this perception more clearly since 2022, and I feel it’s been happening steadily. So, I consider that I’ve evolved quite a bit.
In Laser-Cat, you take on a central role and drive different emotional layers of the narrative. What challenged you the most in building this character?
In building the character of Theo, I felt more challenged by the fact that he was experiencing moments I never imagined I would in real life. But, with the help of the coaches and the team, we managed to solidify this character. I studied his life extensively and was able to build this. It was challenging, but it was also a gift.
Leaving the interior of São Paulo and seeing your work reach one of the most important festivals in the world has a very beautiful symbolic weight. What does this moment represent for you on a more personal level?
On a more personal level, I feel like I’m stepping out of my niche, or my nest, into something beyond. It’s a somewhat strange, new feeling, but very good.
Even before this recognition in Cannes, you had already been building a career in television, international film, and independent productions. How did each of these experiences help shape the artist you are today?
In every job I’ve done, I’ve also been developing as an actor, observing how different producers work, different acting styles, and the different nuances in each character. This also helped a lot with the film Laser-Gato. It’s truly a learning experience with every role.
You’ve also participated in projects that address themes like identity and coming of age, and that resonates strongly with your own stage of life. What’s it like to play characters while you’re also experiencing so many personal discoveries?
Sometimes it seems like it makes things easier, right? Maybe it happens that way for other people, but I’m quite able to separate the characters’ feelings from my own. I study each character’s personality and try to make it fit with myself, so it’s always a challenge, which isn’t a bad thing, but rather a learning experience.
Even at such a young age, you maintain a consistent training routine with courses and workshops. What motivates you most to continue studying and preparing yourself?
My goal is to become a complete and well-rounded actor. I love the art of acting, and to achieve that goal, I try to do everything in my power. That’s why I’m always studying.
This international step opens many doors, but it also brings new dreams. When you look to the future, what kind of stories and characters would you like to play from now on?
Yes, this opens doors and brings new dreams that I hope will come true. Regarding the type of stories and characters, I would like to work on suspense and horror stories. I thought it was really cool that Laser-Gato already falls into that category, especially since I also enjoy watching movies like that.
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