Oscar-Nominated Petra Costa, Director of Venice’s ‘Apocalypse in the Tropics,’ on How Brazil Serves as a ‘Parable’ for the U.S.

As a seasoned film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricate tapestry of global politics through the lens of cinema, I must say that Petra Costa‘s latest documentary “Apocalypse in the Tropics” is a riveting and thought-provoking piece. The film’s transformation from a snapshot of Brazil’s COVID-19 response to an exploration of the blurring lines between democracies and theocracies, particularly the role of Brazil’s growing evangelical movement, makes for a compelling narrative.

Four years following her Oscar nomination for “The Edge of Democracy,” director Petra Costa returns to scrutinize contemporary Brazilian politics through the lens of a new documentary titled “Apocalypse in the Tropics.” This film is set to make its world premiere in the Out of Competition section at the Venice Film Festival.

Initially billed as a critique of former President Jair Bolsonaro’s controversial management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie eventually evolved to examine the transition of democracies into theocratic systems and the impact of Brazil’s burgeoning evangelical movement on the country’s recent political instability. To put it in context, the evangelical population in Brazil was only 5% in the 1980s, but now accounts for over 30%.

In conversation with EbMaster, Costa says that the new film is an expansion of the investigation she started with “The Edge of Democracy.” Two pivotal scenes from the current movie were actually filmed during the production of her previous documentary, such as the opening scene depicting a gathering of evangelists blessing the Congress and speaking in tongues before Dilma Rousseff’s impeachment vote in 2016.

“A short while later, I came across an event known as the Prophetic Act, where many significant pastors from Brazil assembled. This gathering was orchestrated by Silas Malafaia, Brazil’s most influential televangelist,” Costa explained. “They spoke of God taking control over the three branches of government – the executive, legislative, and judiciary – and purging the country of its corrupt elements. It was then that I understood the sentiment I had encountered within Congress wasn’t a minority view, but one of the powerful political forces shaping the nation.”

The documentary titled “Apocalypse in the Tropics” offers an intimate portrayal of Malafaia over a span of four years, showcasing his expanding political clout within the federal government. Director Costa was granted exceptional permission to delve into this controversial figure’s life, revealing candid conversations where he discusses how his council impacted Bolsonaro’s decisions. Notably, Malafaia is also depicted enjoying a luxurious lifestyle, owning a private jet christened as “God’s Gift.”

“It’s intriguing to note that when we initially filmed Malafaia, he was an ally of Bolsonaro. However, as the political situation worsened, Bolsonaro began losing several of his allies, and Malafaia’s influence significantly increased,” Costa pointed out about the pastor. He added that while the documentary primarily revolves around this well-known televangelist, there are numerous other pastors in Brazil currently who exert even greater political power.”

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve collaborated with Brad Pitt’s esteemed production house, Plan B Entertainment, on their inaugural documentary. Working alongside Jeremy Kleiner and Dede Gardner was an absolute joy. They hail from the realm of fiction and have crafted films like “Moonlight” and “12 Years a Slave,” which I hold in high regard. Their perspective on documentaries was unique, being new to this genre yet experienced in narrative filmmaking. It was a refreshing blend that breathed new life into our project, shaping it in ways it wouldn’t have otherwise.

“The film ‘Apocalypse in the Tropics’ sets off on its festival tour approximately two months prior to the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, a time characterized by escalating religious and conservative discourse. Similarities between this and domestic unrest were noted by viewers of ‘The Edge of Democracy’. It is expected that Costa’s latest work will further draw parallels.”

After watching “The Edge of Democracy,” audiences seem to perceive Brazil as a warped reflection of the struggles faced in various nations, including the United States. In essence, it’s like reading a cautionary tale. Watching a movie about Brazilian politics leaves one alarmed because we are all navigating similar democratic challenges and issues concerning the divide between religion and government. Costa highlights the similarities between the two countries by making this comparison.

She highlights the “infiltration of what you can call the majority rule.” “People who believe that because they are the majority — and sometimes they may not even be the majority but they believe they are — it gives them a right to rule. They think that is democracy but that is not democracy. Democracy is also about the protection of minority rights. That’s why we have the Supreme Court, which is a point of attack for all these far-right movements.”

To protect her emotional wellbeing while dedicating years to documenting the expanding far-right movement in Brazil, particularly those advocating for a return of military rule, the director attributes her “spirituality” as a vital shield. Being a spiritual individual (rather than religious), she explains that it forms a significant aspect of her identity and purpose in life. The theological studies that underpinned her filmmaking process were incredibly rewarding, not just spiritually but also poetically and intellectually. She admits that without this spiritual grounding, she might not have been capable of creating a film solely focusing on the harsh reality of our current dystopian situation, as it was too emotionally taxing.

2024-08-29 13:17

Oscar-Nominated Petra Costa, Director of Venice’s ‘Apocalypse in the Tropics,’ on How Brazil Serves as a ‘Parable’ for the U.S.

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