Federal police in Brazil are investigating the financing of “Dark Horse,” a film portraying the rise of former President Jair Bolsonaro, amid allegations of illicit funding involving his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The investigation centers on reports that the production received millions of dollars from a disgraced banker, Daniel Vorcaro, who is currently implicated in a major financial fraud case.
The Financial Controversy Surrounding "Dark Horse"
The production of "Dark Horse" has drawn intense scrutiny following a series of reports by The Intercept Brasil in May. These reports published leaked audio recordings and text messages allegedly showing Flávio Bolsonaro soliciting funding from Daniel Vorcaro, the former head of Banco Master. Banco Master collapsed amid a federal investigation into multibillion-dollar financial fraud, which authorities claim resulted in the loss of significant public pension investments.
According to The Intercept Brasil, leaked documents and banking statements indicate that allies of Mr. Vorcaro transferred millions of dollars to a Texas-based fund controlled by a lawyer for Eduardo Bolsonaro, another of the former president’s sons. While Flávio Bolsonaro initially denied any relationship with the banker, he later characterized the interactions in a video posted to X as a son seeking private sponsorship for a film about his father’s life.
Regulatory and Production Irregularities
Beyond the financial allegations, the film has faced questions regarding its production standards and regulatory compliance. The Brazilian national film agency confirmed that the production team failed to register the film as required by law before shooting commenced in Brazil. Agency officials stated that the production company has not responded to formal inquiries regarding these omissions.
The film is notable for several logistical choices that have drawn public curiosity:
- Language: Despite being shot in Brazil, the film is produced in English.
- Budget: Reported production costs have been cited as potentially the most expensive movie ever produced in Brazil, a claim that contradicts reports from crew members who alleged that the budget was insufficient, with some staff paying for essential props and transport out-of-pocket.
- Executive Leadership: Karina Ferreira da Gama, listed as the film’s executive producer, does not have documented credits with Brazil’s national film agency or standard industry databases like IMDb.
Political Stakes for the Bolsonaro Family
The controversy arrives as the Bolsonaro family navigates significant legal and political challenges. Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for planning to overturn his election loss four years ago. He is currently serving his sentence under house detention due to health reasons.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, who has been residing in Texas, is also under legal pressure. A panel of Brazilian Supreme Court justices convicted him this year for soliciting U.S. interference in his father’s trial. Regarding the film’s financing, Eduardo Bolsonaro has publicly dismissed the allegations as an attempt at "character assassination," maintaining that investing in a movie is not a crime.
For Flávio Bolsonaro, the fallout has been tangible. Political analysts, including Felipe Nunes of the polling firm Quaest, note that the senator’s credibility has suffered among voters who had viewed him as more moderate and trustworthy than his father. Following the reports, polls indicate a decline in his standing compared to President Lula. As investigations proceed, the film remains without a public release date, leaving its future and the legal status of its backers in uncertainty.
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