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Filmmakers Confront Bolsonaro's Threat to Brazil's Progress

2/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Wagner Moura and director Filho created The Secret Agent in response to concerns that Jair Bolsonaro's presidency would threaten Brazil's progress.
They faced backlash for their political stances.
Moura's previous film about a Marxist guerrilla leader was denied funding by Bolsonaro's government.
Moura recalls late-night discussions with Filho on how to respond to the political climate and feels a personal connection to the film.

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Story summary

Wagner Moura and director Filho created The Secret Agent in response to concerns that Jair Bolsonaro's presidency would threaten Brazil's progress.
They faced backlash for their political stances.
Moura's previous film about a Marxist guerrilla leader was denied funding by Bolsonaro's government.
Moura recalls late-night discussions with Filho on how to respond to the political climate and feels a personal connection to the film.