Last year marked the seventh consecutive year that box office increased in the market. After crossing R$1bn ($489m) for the first time in 2011, the market closed 2012 on R$1.6bn ($783m), for a 15.6% year-on-year gain.

The number of tickets sold increased by 5% to reach 148.8m viewers, according to figures announced by Filme B, a local film company that reviews theatrical market data.

Among the reasons for the growth in the country are the expansion of the exhibition circuit and the increase in ticket prices.

In 2012 there were 191 new screens, which raised the total number in Brazil to 2,564. Average ticket prices climbed 10.1% – the highest rise in ten years – to R$11.01 ($5.30). This was partly a result of the expansion of the 3D circuit, which already has 655 screens.

Box office for Brazilian films, however, has not followed the growth pattern. Local productions were seen by 15.3m people, grossing R$155.8m ($76.2m), which accounts for a market share of 9.5%, as opposed to 11.8 % in 2011.

The highest grossing Brazilian film was Até Que A Sorte Nos Separe, the only local title that appeared in the top ten (see below). This rom-com – the most successful genre for local titles in recent years – grossed R$34.7m ($16.9m).

Brazil top 10 films of 2012

1. The Avengers [pictured], R$130m ($63.6m)

2. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2, R$105.9m ($51.8m)

3. Ice Age: Continental Drift, R$94.3m ($46.1m)

4. The Amazing Spider-Man, R$60.4m ($29.5m)

5. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, R$58.9m ($28.8m)

6. The Dark Knight Rises, R$55m ($26.9m)

7. Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, R$39.7m ($19.4m)

8. Brave, R$37.2m ($18.2m)

9. Até Que A Sorte Nos Separe, R$34.7m ($16.9m)

10. The Expendables 2, R$33.2m ($16.2m)

Top 10 films source: Filme B

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