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Kleber Mendonça Filho, the acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker, shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of cinema at the Marrakech Film Festival. His latest movie, The Secret Agent, aims for recognition in the Oscars’ international feature film category and addresses the implications of streaming culture on traditional theater-going experiences.
During an insightful conversation at the festival, Mendonça Filho expressed concern over the ongoing crisis in cinema attendance, particularly in the United States. He noted that the time between a film’s theatrical release and its availability on streaming platforms has significantly shortened.
Changing norms in film consumption
The director reflected on how the pandemic and the rise of streaming services have altered film consumption patterns. “Historically, it was understood that one would experience a film in theaters,” he stated. “Now, this understanding seems to have shifted, leading many to abandon the traditional cinema experience.” He urged Hollywood to reconsider its strategies, proposing a waiting period of three to four months before films become available online. This, he believes, would help revitalize cinema culture.
The Brazilian cinema landscape
As Mendonça Filho prepares for the Gotham Awards, where his film is nominated, he highlighted the contrasting health of the Brazilian cinema scene. In Brazil, the culture surrounding movie theaters remains robust, partly due to extended theatrical windows. “In Brazil, we have made it clear that The Secret Agent will be exclusively shown in theaters for several months before transitioning to streaming,” he explained. “This clear communication encourages audiences to return to theaters, and we are witnessing that trend in Brazil now.”
Furthermore, the director candidly expressed his preference for the cinematic experience over streaming, stating, “I wouldn’t want to make a film with the knowledge that it would be released only on a streaming platform.” However, he noted that he would accept a film debuting on streaming after a theatrical run. He humorously recounted how some viewers told him they watched his earlier work, Neighboring Sounds, in multiple segments over a prolonged period. “While it’s amusing to hear, I know that the film’s true essence was experienced in theaters,” he remarked.
Political themes in The Secret Agent
The Secret Agent premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, receiving significant accolades, including Best Director and Best Actor for Wagner Moura. The film is a gripping political thriller set during Brazil’s military dictatorship in the late 1970s, focusing on Moura’s character, Marcelo, a technology specialist evading capture during the Carnival festivities.
Mendonça Filho elaborated on the timely relevance of his film in light of contemporary political events in Brazil. He observed parallels between his narrative, set in 1977, and the actions of Brazil’s former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence. “As I developed the film, I noticed how Bolsonaro echoed the ideologies of past regimes, almost as if attempting to revive the oppressive days of military rule,” he remarked.
International resonance and reception
The film has resonated with audiences not only in Brazil but also in countries like Spain, which shares a history of dictatorship. Mendonça Filho acknowledged the strong reactions to the film in the United States, indicating its universal themes that transcend borders. Neon, the distributor that acquired the film during Cannes, launched it in New York on November 26 and plans a broader rollout in Los Angeles and beyond.
The 22nd edition of the Marrakech Film Festival kicked off with a vibrant atmosphere, featuring the Moroccan premiere of Dead Man’s Wire. Notable filmmaker Bong Joon-ho presides over the jury, which includes a diverse range of prominent figures from the film industry, further highlighting the festival’s commitment to showcasing global cinema.
Kleber Mendonça Filho’s insights into the challenges faced by cinema in the streaming era underscore the importance of preserving the traditional film experience. As audiences navigate this changing landscape, the call for a balance between streaming and theater releases becomes increasingly vital for the future of cinema.