The film “O Agente Secreto,” directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, received notable recognition on Saturday (24th), winning two prestigious awards: the FIPRESCI Prize from the international film critics and the “Art et Essai” award from French independent exhibitors. This announcement came just hours before the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival, reinforcing the film’s strong chances of receiving additional accolades from the jury chaired by Juliette Binoche.
The FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) comprises journalists from over 50 countries, while the “Art et Essai” award is presented by the AFCAE (French Association of Art and Essay Cinema). In its statement, FIPRESCI praised “O Agente Secreto” for its “generous romanticism and epic scope,” describing it as a film that offers diversions, humor, and depth while portraying a rich and troubling narrative of corruption and oppression.
Critics noted that “O Agente Secreto” breaks conventional cinematic rules, presenting a story that is both personal and universal, immersing viewers in Brazil during the military regime of 1977. The film is currently in the official competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, vying for the Palme d’Or among 21 other feature films. Acclaimed critic Jacques Mandelbaum from Le Monde has speculated that Kleber Mendonça Filho may secure the festival’s top prize, with actor Wagner Moura in the running for the Best Actor award.
Set against the political backdrop of Recife in 1977, “O Agente Secreto” navigates the tensions of the Brazilian military dictatorship. This marks the first collaboration between Mendonça Filho and Moura, who both emphasize the film’s focus on “resistance” and its connection to Brazil’s historical reality. According to Moura, it is an “absolutely Brazilian” film.
Should “O Agente Secreto” win the Palme d’Or, it would break a 63-year drought for Brazilian cinema, as the only Brazilian film to have won this honor thus far is “O Pagador de Promessas” by Anselmo Duarte in 1962.
In addition to “O Agente Secreto,” professional critics have highlighted three other films as noteworthy contenders: “Um Simples Acidente” by dissident Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, “Sirât” by Franco-Spanish director Oliver Laxe, and “Sentimental Value” by Norwegian Joachim Trier. The latter’s recent entry into the competition has shifted critic predictions, especially following its 19-minute standing ovation at its premiere.
As the festival concludes, anticipation builds for the distribution of seven awards, with many believing that all mentioned films will receive recognition in some capacity, though surprises may still arise.
Overall, the positive reception and awards for “O Agente Secreto” not only enhance the visibility of Brazilian cinema on the international stage but also highlight the importance of storytelling during times of political unrest. This film could foster further interest and appreciation for the rich narratives emerging from Brazil, pointing to a hopeful future for the country’s film industry.