Rodrigo Teixeira Reflects on 20 Years of RT Features, His Journey into the Middle East with ‘Wolves,’ and Thoughts on James Gray’s ‘Paper Tiger’
Rodrigo Teixeira is set to attend the Marrakech Film Festival this weekend, where he will showcase the first footage of “Wolves,” a Lebanese bank heist drama directed by Rami Kodeih and Nora Mariana. This presentation is part of the festival’s Atlas Workshops project.
The film is notably anchored in the real-life collapse of Lebanon’s banking system in 2019. This project marks Teixeira’s inaugural venture into the Middle Eastern film landscape, signaling a possible expansion beyond his established roots.
Last weekend, Teixeira attended the inaugural Doha Film Festival’s Industry Days event, where he was among the speakers. During the event, the Qatar Film Committee debuted a new 50% film rebate and announced partnerships with notable companies including Neon, Sony, and Miramax.
As Teixeira celebrates the 20th anniversary of his São Paulo-based company, RT Features, in January 2026, he is increasingly looking beyond Brazil and the United States for collaboration and storytelling opportunities.
“The future is international. That’s why I’m travelling so much,” Teixeira stated. “At least 70% of the best movies are not English-speaking. The market is shifting. The best movies are foreign movies.” He pointed to “Sentimental Value” and “The Secret Agent” as current examples of films that resonate well internationally while being rooted in local narratives.
Teixeira elaborated on the influence of social media on the emerging filmmaking market in Brazil, noting how stars have garnered widespread recognition. “When Wagner Maura does something, it gets 700,000 likes on social media,” he mentioned, referencing the rising prominence of Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, whose profile increased dramatically through her role in “I’m Still Here.”
Recalling his early ambitions, Teixeira shared how he sought to break into the U.S. cinema scene despite his limited English and a lack of industry connections. “I wanted to make American films, English-speaking movies,” he explained, emphasizing his commitment to overcoming initial challenges.
His breakthrough came with Noah Baumbach’s 2012 film, “Frances Ha,” leading to involvement in notable projects such as “Night Moves” and “The Witch.” “I know how to find projects, how to put people in projects and how to package projects. That’s my talent,” he said.
Teixeira’s latest film, “Wolves,” revolves around a young woman’s desperate attempt to withdraw her savings for her sister’s surgery during Lebanon’s economic turmoil. Joined by a truck driver and an ex-militia fighter, they undertake a risky mission against a corrupt banking system. “It could happen in Brazil,” Teixeira initially thought when he read the script, before opting for a Lebanese setting.
Principal photography began in late May 2025 after initial plans were abandoned due to regional conflict. Teixeira reported a smooth shooting process over 57 days. “We wrapped at the end of July, the director asked for 20 weeks of editing which will be completed soon, and we’ll have some scenes to show at the Atlas Workshops,” he detailed.
The film is among ten projects in production or post-production featured in the Atlas Workshops, alongside highly anticipated works such as Laïla Marrakchi’s “La Más Dulce.”
Teixeira is also nearing completion on James Gray’s crime drama “Paper Tiger,” which features a cast including Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson. He described it as “the best James Gray movie ever” and aims for a significant festival debut.
Looking ahead, Teixeira’s slate includes adaptations of acclaimed literary works and original features, signifying both a commitment to storytelling through cinema and a keen eye for future projects. He anticipates a busy year for RT Features in 2026, filled with potential and optimism.
