When does a democracy end and a theocracy begin? This is the central question that drives Apocalypse in the Tropics, the new documentary film from Academy Award-nominee Petra Costa.
After becoming an Official Selection at the Venice, Telluride, New York, Camden International, IDFA, Chicago International, and Montclair Film Festivals, Apocalypse in the Tropics was acquired by Netflix and will be released on July 14. Costa’s previous documentary, 2019’s The Edge of Democracy, explores her native Brazil’s turbulent political history over the last several decades. It earned an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature and a Peabody Award in 2020.
Apocalypse in the Tropics tackles Brazilian politics as well, but with an emphasis on the rise of Evangelical Christian influence among its leaders. Here’s everything to know about Costa’s next film.
The documentary film will premiere on Netflix on July 14.
Through interviews with elected officials, spiritual leaders, and ordinary citizens, the film traces the rapid rise of Evangelical influence on Brazilian politics, culminating in the 2018 election of former president Jair Bolsonaro. It examines how the movement, and particularly the significant political influence of Pentecostal pastor and televangelist Silas Malafaia, have challenged the foundations of the nation’s democracy. Combining historical context and personal perspectives (including those of Costa herself, who narrates the film), the documentary highlights how the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of religious power in Brazil reflect trends seen in other countries around the world.
“We worked on this documentary for four years because we believe the erosion of democracy is the most crucial issue we face,” Costa told Netflix. “In our story, we look at what happens in Brazil as a fable of our times.”
Costa’s co-writers include David Barker, Alessandra Orofino, Nels Bangerter, and Tina Baz. The film is produced by Orofino for Peri Productions, Costa for Busca Vida Filmes in association with Impact Partners, Play/Action Pictures, Luminate, and Plan B/KM Films. Apocalypse in the Tropics is executive produced by Jenny Raskin, Jim and Susan Swartz, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Katrina vanden Heuvel, and Meadow Fund for Impact Partners; Jeffrey Lurie and Marie Therese Guirgis for Play/Action Pictures; Felipe Estefan and Rafael Georges Zein for Luminate; Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B Films; Katy Drake Bettner; Kate Hurwitz; InMaat Foundation; Frida Polli; James Costa; and Trevor Burgess.
Apocalipse nos Trópicos is the name of the documentary in Portuguese, which is the official language of Brazil.
For a first look at Costa’s urgent exploration of faith, power, and democracy in Brazil, watch the trailer at the top of this page.
Check back for the latest news and updates on Apocalypse in the Tropics ahead of its July 14 release.
