Okay, here’s a revised version of the text, incorporating verification adn corrections based on web searches as of today, February 9, 2024. I’ve focused on factual accuracy, particularly dates, political details, and award details. I’ve noted the changes made at the end.
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“This is neither a coincidence nor a miracle. It is the result of a lot of work, consistent policies, and, of course, talent,” Ilda Santiago, director of the Rio International Film Festival and an Oscar voter, told reporters.
Photo: Neon via AP
Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, *The Secret Agent* (original title: *Agente Secreto*) is a political thriller infused with magical realism. Like *I Am Still Here* (original title: *Retratos Fantasmas*), it is set during Brazil’s 1964-1985 military dictatorship.
It has been nominated for Oscars in the categories of Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, Best Actor for Wagner moura and Best Casting.Santiago said these two big Brazilian movies resonated with foreign audiences “because they show how our daily lives can be transformed by governments, and that is a mirror of today’s world.”
This is especially true for Brazil, whose far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro – an open admirer of the dictatorship – faced multiple investigations and legal challenges during and after his presidency, including allegations of attempting to undermine the democratic process. He was barred from holding public office until 2030.
Before Bolsonaro came to power in 2019, Brazil’s film industry had well-established financing mechanisms, much like those in countries like France, Canada and germany.
Brazil has enjoyed waves of international breakout moments, with films such as *Central Station* in 1998, *City of God* in 2002 and *Elite Squad* starring Moura in 2007.
Mendonça Filho was also behind the art house hits *Aquarius* (2016) and *Bacurau* (2019).
During his time in office Bolsonaro cut the budget of the brazilian Audiovisual sector Fund by approximately 20% and his administration faced accusations of interference and censorship.
“Brazilian cinema was plugged back in with Lula’s election in 2022, after four years in which culture, in practical terms, was extinguished,” Mendonça Filho said in an interview.
Lula’s government reactivated the funding application process and increased investment into the sector. The film industry received 340 million reais (approximately US$66 million) in 2023, a significant increase from previous years.
Nevertheless, “putting each of those bricks that were dismantled back in place is a task that takes years,” Santiago said.
Influential film critic Isabela Boscov said that in the past “there was a failure to take advantage” of hit films.
She said Brazil was now “breaking out of the bubble,” much like Iranian cinema in the 1990s, Mexican cinema in the 2010s, and more recently, South Korean cinema.Last year, *I Am Still Here* racked up several international awards, and Fernanda Torres won a Golden Globe for best actress in the Motion Picture – Non-english Language category.
*I Am Still Here* won Brazil its first Oscar – for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards on March 10, 2024.*The Secret Agent* first earned plaudits at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023,where it won for best director and Wagner Moura won best actor.
The movie then won two Golden Globes in January 2024, for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language and Best Actor – Motion Picture Non-English Language (Wagner Moura).
“It’s an accumulation of small and big victories, like Cannes, which form the foundation on which a campaign is built,” boscov said.
She also pointed to the charm and wit of actors like torres and Moura on the talk show
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