With a round of applause, the Audience present at the Bonito South American Film Festival (Cinesur) said goodbye to the artist Jonir Figueiredo, killed this Saturday (26), in Bonito (MS). On Friday night (25), the artist had participated in the opening ceremony of Cinesur, held at the Bonito Convention Center.
“It is with regret that the 3rd South American Film Festival of Bonito receives the news of the death of artist Jonir Figueiredo, who left us on Saturday, July 26, after prestigious the opening night of our festival. His presence was a reason for honor and reaffirmed his commitment to art and culture. Admirers, ”says the note that it was read this Saturday during the festival.
“We, artists and cultural producers, have to move on, honoring Jonir doing what he liked best and for what he never stopped fighting: art and culture. Let’s go with our beautiful Cinesur, honoring the memory of Jonir Figueiredo. Live art and culture, Viva Jonir!”, Complete the note.
Bonito (MS), 07/26/2025 – 3rd Bonito Cinesur – South American Film Festival honors plastic artist Joni Figueiredo. Photo: Elaine Cruz/Agência Brasil
Born in Corumbá and graduated in Artistic Education from the United Faculty of Marília (SP), Jonir was known for his works focused on the Pantanal and the beauties of Mato Grosso do Sul. Designer, recorder, performer, painter and cultural producer, Jonir Figueiredo began his career in the 1970s. He inspired the creation of the Guaicuru Cultural Movement, a collective that sought to value the cultural identity of the state through the inspiration in the Guaicuru indigenous people.
In a statement, the Mato Grosso do Sul Culture Foundation regretted the artist’s death.
“Jonir Figueiredo, was a unique artist, a character in the history of our state who walked around, among us, looking for new ideas, raw material to produce his art and opportunities to publicize it,” says the note.
“In his work, he exploited various techniques, always reminding us of the Pantanal he loved,” he said.
* The reporter traveled at the invitation of the Bonito Cinesur 2025 South American Film Festival
