Walter Salles, the Brazilian director behind the Oscar-winning 2024 drama “I’m Still Here” will introduce a screening of “The Secret Agent” at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to kick off the BRAVO Film Festival on Oct. 19.
From fellow Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho, “The Secret Agent” is a historical political thriller taking place in 1977, at the turn of Brazil’s military dictatorship. It follows a teacher who gets caught up in the national turmoil and flees back to his hometown of Recife during carnival, but the fight is never far from his heels.
The film was the most decorated feature at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, winning the FIPRESCI International Critics Award for Best Film, and the Prix des Cinémas Art et Essai – AFCAE Arthouse Cinema Award as well as best director for Mendonça Filho and best actor for lead Wagner Moura. The film received a 13-minute standing ovation.
After Cannes, NEON acquired “The Secret Agent’s” North American distribution rights and will release it in theaters on Nov. 26. Vitrine Filmes is releasing it in Brazil and Ad Vitam is releasing in France, while Mubi has acquired rights in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hispanic America and India.
“The Secret Agent” is among six films contending to represent Brazil in the best international feature category at the 98th Academy Awards, and will be campaigned for best picture, director, actor and more.
The Academy Museum screening marks “The Secret Agent’s” Los Angeles premiere, and a Q&A will follow with Mendonça Filho and producer Emilie Lesclaux. Since Cannes, the film was met with warm receptions at the Telluride Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, and will soon play at the New York Film Festival, the San Sebastián International Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival and Beyond Fest ahead of its theatrical run.
Watch the trailer for “The Secret Agent” below: