Roberto Requião

Brazil has a long tradition of coup d'états. These coups would have not been viable without the support of the big media, particularly TV Globo. Two Brazilian journalists in the UK reveal the manipulative tactics of these organisations.

The film narrates, from an intimate point of view, the daily life of President Dilma Rousseff in her official residence, the Palácio do Alvorada, while awaiting the verdict of the impeachment process. Portraying the hallways of the palace, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, we see the coming and going of political meetings, the daily routine of the kitchen, the exchange of guards, whispers and phone calls. We feel the growing tension of officials, advisers and former ministers.

The impeachment and removal from office of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in 2016 was triggered by a corruption scandal involving, among others, her then vice-president Michel Temer. Director Maria Augusta Ramos follows the trial against Rousseff from the point of view of her defence team. This is a courtroom drama that unfolds slowly: the appearances of the various parties gradually turn the proceedings into something akin to theatre. Inside the courtroom, grand emotions are played to full effect whilst, on the other side of the doors, lobbyists and supporters pace the corridors. Meanwhile, outside, in front of Brasília’s modernist government buildings, demonstrators are chanting like a Greek chorus. Only the main character, Rousseff herself, remains professional and aloof.