Brazil Probes Dark Horse Film Financing of Bolsonaro Biopic

Politics

A film about Jair Bolsonaro has drawn the attention of Brazil’s Federal Police, over who paid for it. Justice André Mendonça authorized an inquiry into the financing of the Dark Horse film, a biopic of the former president.

A biographical film about former president Jair Bolsonaro, titled Dark Horse, has become the subject of a criminal inquiry, not over its content, but over how it was funded.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has cleared the Federal Police to look into the money behind it.

What Mendonça Authorized

Justice André Mendonça authorized the investigation after the Prosecutor-General’s Office issued a favorable opinion. The request came from deputy Lindbergh Farias, of the governing Workers’ Party.

The complaint alleges possible irregularities in the film’s financing by Daniel Vorcaro, the former banker who owns Banco Master.

The Alleged Connections

Investigators are being asked to examine whether resources meant for the production were linked to Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and to the US activities of former deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro.

The case is being handled under confidentiality at the Supreme Court, a status meant to protect sensitive information during an investigation.

Why It Matters

An inquiry authorizes investigators to gather evidence; it is not a finding of wrongdoing, and no charges have been filed. Members of the Bolsonaro family have generally rejected accusations against them.

Still, the case ties a cultural project to the wider legal scrutiny surrounding the former president and his allies, and to questions about Banco Master, already under the spotlight in Brazil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dark Horse inquiry about?

STF Justice André Mendonça authorized the Federal Police to investigate the financing of Dark Horse, a film about Jair Bolsonaro, focusing on funds allegedly tied to former banker Daniel Vorcaro of Banco Master.

Who requested the investigation?

It was requested by deputy Lindbergh Farias of the Workers’ Party, and authorized after a favorable opinion from the Prosecutor-General’s Office.

Have charges been filed?

No. The inquiry allows investigators to gather evidence and is not a finding of wrongdoing. The case is under confidentiality and no charges have been filed.

Sources

• Metrópoles – Mendonça autoriza inquérito sobre repasses ao Dark Horse, filme de Bolsonaro
• Brasil de Fato – Mendonça autoriza investigação da PF sobre financiamento de cinebiografia de Bolsonaro

Connected Coverage

• Banco Master coverage
• Bolsonaro STM: Brazil Military Court May Expel Him

Sources: STF Justice André Mendonça; Prosecutor-General's Office; deputy Lindbergh Farias.