Brazilian Films Offer a Stark Warning for American Democracy

As American democracy faces internal challenges, recent Brazilian films are resonating with audiences and critics alike, offering a potent perspective on the fragility of democratic institutions and the enduring consequences of authoritarianism. Films like “The Secret Agent” and “I’m Still Here” are not merely historical dramas; they are urgent reminders of what can happen when democratic norms erode and the past is left unaddressed.

Echoes of the Past

“The Secret Agent,” an Oscar nominee for best picture, follows Marcelo (played by Wagner Moura), a professor fleeing persecution during Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964-1985). The film’s narrative, which weaves together old audio tapes and newspaper clippings as a researcher investigates his death, mirrors the real-life experiences of individuals like Tatiana Merlino, a Brazilian journalist who investigated the 1971 killing of her uncle, Luiz Eduardo Merlino, a communist activist.

Merlino’s family discovered torture marks on her uncle’s corpse despite initial reports of suicide. “It became necessary to fight for memory, truth, and justice, because these crimes committed by dictatorship agents weren’t punished at that time, and have not been to this day,” Merlino stated. She emphasizes the critical importance of confronting a nation’s past, warning that “when a country does not come to terms with its past, its ghosts resurface.”

A Zeitgeist of Remembrance

Both “The Secret Agent” and “I’m Still Here,” which won the Oscar for best international film in 2025, achieved blockbuster status in Brazil. Their popularity is linked to the country’s recent political climate, particularly the fear of a potential coup attempt by former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro in 2022.

On January 8, 2023, supporters of Bolsonaro stormed Brazil’s Three Powers Plaza – home to the congress, supreme court, and presidential palace – echoing the January 6th insurrection in the United States. Unlike the U.S., however, Brazil has prosecuted those involved, including Bolsonaro and members of his staff, for their roles in the coup plot.

Lessons from Brazil’s History

Wagner Moura, star of “The Secret Agent,” noted that Bolsonaro “doesn’t come from Mars,” but is “deeply grounded in the history of the country.” Brazil’s 21-year military dictatorship, initiated by a U.S.-backed coup in 1964, continues to shape the nation’s political landscape. Alessandra Gasparotto, a professor at the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPEL), explains that the dictatorship maintained a facade of legitimacy while suppressing dissent.

“I’m Still Here” dramatizes the story of Eunice Paiva, whose husband, Rubens Paiva, a former leftist congressman, disappeared after being taken into custody by the military in 1971. His body has never been recovered. The film highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice for victims of the regime.

The Peril of Amnesia

A 1979 amnesty law in Brazil, initially intended to facilitate a transition to democracy, also shielded those responsible for human rights violations during the dictatorship. This decision, according to Gasparotto, created a “pact” to forgive the regime’s crimes, contributing to a continuity of power structures from the dictatorship to the democratic government.

Marcelo Rubens Paiva, son of Rubens Paiva and author of the book on which “I’m Still Here” is based, argues that these films are vital because “understanding the past is important for understanding today’s contradictions.” He adds, “What happened before interferes in the conflicts a country lives in today.”

Parallels with the United States

The parallels between Brazil’s recent history and the current political climate in the United States are striking. Both countries have experienced challenges to their democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarian tendencies. Arthur Avila, a history professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) in Brazil, points to a long history of inequality and authoritarianism in the U.S., stemming from the legacy of slavery and racial segregation.

While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to dismantle segregation and protect voting rights, Avila notes that subsequent decades have been marked by manipulations of the electoral system, such as gerrymandering. The prosecution of former President Trump for election obstruction, though ultimately dismissed after his reelection in 2024, underscored the fragility of democratic processes.

Avila warns of a growing “de-democratization” process within the U.S., characterized by efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and a lingering resentment towards desegregation. He suggests that the U.S. May be heading towards a “state of exception” that maintains the appearance of democracy while eroding its substance.

The Importance of Memory

As films like “The Secret Agent” and “I’m Still Here” demonstrate, preserving memory is crucial for safeguarding democracy. By confronting the past, societies can better understand the present and prevent the recurrence of authoritarianism.