The Secret Agent makers on Oscars, dictators and death threats
Reporting by Theguardian says The Secret Agent, an unusually long non-English political period drama, has become an awards magnet and will compete in four Oscar categories, including best picture and best actor for Wagner Moura. Moura and director Kleber Mendonça Filho, who bonded two decades ago and share origins in Brazil's north-east, bring long careers to the film — from Elite Squad and Narcos to Filho's Neighbouring Sounds and Aquarius — and a restrained screen presence that shapes the movie's tone.
Both men have also endured professional prohibitions, smear campaigns and death threats: Moura says he received death threats after a newspaper article, Filho's Aquarius was blocked from being Brazil's official Oscar entry, and he describes Marighella's delayed release as 'cynically and unofficially sabotaged'.
Brazil, Brazil's north-east