Behind Closed Doors

In 1968, Brazil’s military government convened the National Security Council to enact Institutional Act No. 5, ushering in the most violent period of the dictatorship. The meeting was recorded, but remained secret for decades. The filmmakers delved into the archives and now reveal the recordings.

We hear the voices of ministers who, one by one, express their support for the infamous law. They wax lyrical about a new revolution and economic prosperity. The ease with which they suspend the constitution is shocking. To reinforce the dictatorship, Brazilians were bombarded with cheerful propaganda newsreels glorifying the policy, accompanied by upbeat music. The filmmakers have cleverly combined these films with the audio recordings of the military government.

The propaganda features a lot of flag hoisting and lavish praise for the Trans Amazonian highway. Toxic lies: in reality, people were deprived of their vote and forbidden to demonstrate. Opponents of the regime were tortured and executed. And until today, not a single member of the military has been convicted of crimes committed during the dictatorship.