Netflix is taking viewers into the heart of Brazil with Rivers of Fate, also known as Pssica, a gripping new drama series set in the Amazon. Directed by Quico Meirelles and with a special episode by Fernando Meirelles (City of God), the four-part miniseries premieres on August 20, 2024, and tells a powerful story of survival, revenge, and resilience.
Rivers of Fate tells the story of Janalice (Domithila Cattete), a teenager kidnapped by a gang operating along the rivers of Pará. As she’s pulled into a dark international sex trafficking network, her path crosses with Preá (Lucas Galvino), a gang leader of river criminals known as “water rats”, and Mariangel (Marleyda Soto), a woman on a mission for revenge. The three characters find themselves entangled in — a desperate fight for survival against the backdrop of what locals call the pssica — a mysterious curse.
Let’s explore where this intense drama was brought to life.
Where Was Rivers of Fate (Pssica) Filmed?
The main filming locations of Rivers of Fate are deeply rooted in the Amazonian region of Brazil, specifically in the city of Belém, in the state of Pará. This location wasn’t just picked for its look; it’s an important part of making the show feel like it’s set in the real Amazon. In 2024, films were shot there, and the crews were able to capture the raw and lively atmosphere of the area.
Belém, Pará – The Gateway to the Amazon
Belém is one of Brazil’s most important port cities and serves as the capital of the state of Pará. Belém is often called the “gateway to the Amazon” because it is on the shores of Guajará Bay and close to where the Amazon River starts. The city’s tropical weather, colonial buildings, river markets — and deep cultural roots made it a great fit for Rivers of Fate’s gritty and atmospheric world.
With waterways being such an important part of the characters’ lives, the series’ tense plots fit right in with the city’s river systems and busy port life. Real boats, docks — and alleyways were used to make the dirty underground wo rld seen on screen.
Mercado do Porto do Sal – A Key Location
The Salt Port Market (Mercado do Porto do Sal) which is in the Cidade Velha neighbourhood of Belém, was a famous place where films were filmed. This market is right on the water, next to Guajará Bay, and has beautiful views of where the Amazon River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Its rough surfaces and old-world charm made it a great setting for scenes about trade, everyday life — and the criminal underworld.
It was confirmed by local news and social media posts in July 2024 that Netflix production teams were filming in this area. People in the area noticed that the market, which is often used by filmmakers, was once again turned into a movie set. This time, it was for Pssica, and local actress Ademara was in some of the scenes.
Real Streets and Real Heat
Filming in Belém came with challenges.Throughout production, the temperature and humidity stayed the same. One crew member wrote on social media that working in full costume and makeup was hard because of the bad weather, but the beautiful scenery made it all worth it.
“I never stopped sweating, but I got used to living between soaked in sweat and soaked in river water. But what a welcome! The effort behind this work will show in every scene.”
Despite the harsh conditions, cast and crew praised the city’s warmth, culture, and hospitality. The authenticity of Belém added to the emotional and visual intensity of the series.
Local Talent and Cultural Roots
In addition to being set in Pará — the production celebrated local culture and talent. A lot of the extras, supporting actors and crew members were from the area, which added a realistic touch that made the story better. The word “Pssica,” which means “curse” or “bad luck” in local slang, comes from the Paraense dialect and shows how the community speaks and believes.
The show is also based on the novel Pssica by Edyr Augusto, who was born in Pará and writes in English. This gave the filmmakers a strong literary base that was rooted in real Amazonian life.
Social Media Glimpses: During Filming
Several cast and crew members shared behind-the-scenes moments in the middle and end of 2024. Joeliton is played by Gabriel Knoxx, who confirmed his role on Instagram in July by posting pictures from the set. On August 22, 2024, @syjessys talked about working with director Fernando Meirelles and how thankful he was for the team and the chance to film in a place with so much history.
Official Trailer
For more updates on filming locations and TV production news, visit netfilming.com – your go-to source for everything behind the scenes.
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