Fernando Meirelles, one of the most renowned names in Brazilian cinema, took a break from his work on the opening ceremony for the Rio 2016 Games to carry the Olympic Torch on Monday (18 July). The director of award-winning film City of God took part in the torch relay in the town of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo state.

“It was a lot of fun, a piece of cake,” he said. “I’ve been a part of this for some time now and carrying the torch is just another step in the process.”

One of three creative directors preparing the Games' grand curtain raiser at the Maracanã Stadium on 5 August, Meirelles, who is also known for his films The Constant Gardener and Blindness, said working on the opening ceremony was a unique experience.

“I have never done anything on this scale, and will never do so again in my life,” he said. “Everything is very big, the stage is very big. Three billion people are expected to watch the ceremony. It’s a huge responsibility.”

Creative team gives glimpse of preparations for Rio 2016 Olympic Games opening ceremony

Meirelles carried the torch in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo (Rio 2016/Andre Luiz Mello)

Meirelles is working with fellow Brazilian film directors Andrucha Waddington and Daniela Thomas to create the opening ceremony. For a master of audiovisual production intended for television and cinema screens, putting together a show in a wide open space like the Maracanã, with a live audience, is a different and challenging experience.

A huge sports fan, Meirelles is confident that Brazil will produce its best yet Olympic performance at the Rio Games, which he believes will have a transformative effect. “Playing sports certainly unites people, it’s a path towards peace,” he said. “The Games were created for this and I really believe it helps.”

Opening ceremony choreographer promises masterpiece of dance and passion