Founded in the 16th century, São José dos Campos has its roots in Jesuit missions, when missionaries settled in the Aldeia Rio Comprido and encouraged cattle raising in the region. Over the centuries, the city’s economy has shifted from agriculture to technology, transforming it into a modern metropolis and a leading hub for aerospace and industry, offering numerous unique filming locations.

In the late 19th century, the city’s cultural identity was shaped by the arrival of immigrants from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Japan. These groups played a vital role in local development, working in agriculture, commerce, and other urban professions. Located at Praça Engenheiro Riugi Kojima square, a torii stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s Japanese immigrant community.

Located in the heart of the city, the 46,500-square-meter Parque Santos Dumont is a tribute to the Brazilian aerospace industry. The park features a replica of the iconic 14-bis airplane, as well as models of the Sonda family rockets, which were developed and built in Brazil for space research. Located in a tree-lined area around a central lake, the park’s exhibits elegantly combine history, science, and technology.

The Ponte Estaiada Juana Blanco Gomez – Arco da Inovação embodies the city’s modern identity. Inaugurated in 2020, the cable-stayed bridge’s X-shaped structure, whose design was inspired by São Paulo’s Ponte Octávio Frias de Oliveira, stands one hundred meters tall and supports two viaducts.

The city honors its historical legacy by preserving its landmarks, such as the Parque Vicentina Aranha. Designed by architect Ramos de Azevedo in 1924, the park once served as one of Latin America’s leading tuberculosis treatment centers. The complex features a chapel and several pavilions surrounded by gardens, with a variety of settings that make it an ideal filming location for productions covering a wide range of themes.

A key landmark in the region’s development, the Estação Ferroviária Eugênio de Melo served as a railway hub for transporting passengers and agricultural goods. Built in 1895 and revitalized in 2006, the station’s yellow façade, pitched roof, and original tracks have all been preserved, offering a glimpse into a time when rail transport was a vital part of city life.

The city’s unique combination of tradition and innovation makes it an ideal setting for a wide range of productions.