Bolsonaro Biopic 'Dark Horse' Gains Initial Ancine Registration Amid Multiple Investigations

The National Cinema Agency (Ancine) has granted the Foreign Work Registration (ROE) to 'Dark Horse', a fictional film about former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. This registration is a preliminary step toward commercial release in Brazil. To be exhibited in theaters, the film must still obtain a Title Registration Certificate (CRT) and a classification rating from the Ministry of Justice. The film is starring American actor Jim Caviezel and has a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The production is currently the subject of several legal challenges. Ancine has opened an administrative process against the production company, Go Up Entertainment, for failing to report filming activities conducted within Brazilian territory. This irregularity could result in a fine ranging from 2,000 to 100,000 reais.

Simultaneously, the film is linked to multiple criminal investigations. Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino authorized the Federal Police to access evidence from the São Paulo Civil Police regarding Go Up Entertainment. That investigation examines whether funds from a 108 million reais municipal contract for free wi-fi in poor communities were diverted to the film's production. Additionally, the Federal Police are investigating the use of parliamentary amendments from PL party deputies, including Mário Frias, Bia Kicis, and Marcos Pollon, to fund the production. These deputies have denied that their funds were used for the movie.

Another investigation, overseen by Supreme Court Minister André Mendonça, is examining the financing of the film involving former banker Daniel Vorcaro. This follows the leak of audio recordings in which Senator Flávio Bolsonaro allegedly requested 61 million reais from Vorcaro to complete the project. Flávio Bolsonaro has stated that the matter is a closed chapter in his presidential campaign and maintains that the accounting for the film is correct.