Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Next Film Set in 1930s Brazil — Wagner Moura to Star?

Any fans of Kleber Mendonça Filho?

In a Vulture interview promoting “The Secret Agent,” the Brazilian filmmaker revealed he’s about to write a movie set in his hometown of Recife in the 1930s.

In the interview, Filho reveals that “this idea has been with him for the past six months.” For now, “he wants to enjoy the success of The Secret Agent, but plans to start writing next year.” He adds that the new story is “embedded in Pictures of Ghosts,” his wonderful 2024 documentary about his hometown.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Wagner Moura ends up starring in this project — he’s already hinted at reuniting with Filho after their triumphant collaboration on “The Secret Agent.”

For now, Filho is campaigning the excellent ‘Secret Agent,’ a film set in the late 1970s during the final years of Brazil’s military dictatorship, starring Moura. The film won Best Director and Best Actor awards at Cannes, and has gone on to earn raves at Telluride, TIFF and many other film festivals.

I rewatched the film at TIFF — a gripping political thriller that channels the paranoia and tension of ‘70s cinema. Starring Moura in a commanding performance, the film follows a man who becomes entangled in espionage and state surveillance. Filho infuses the film with his trademark mix of atmosphere, slow-burn suspense, and biting social critique, it’s as urgent as it is meticulously crafted.

Filho’s filmography includes other strong works such as “Bacurau,” “Aquarius” and “Neighbouring Sounds.” He’s “turned into a world-class filmmaker in recent years.” There’s “no doubting that he’ll be aiming for a Cannes premiere again, whenever this next film is ready — that’s his home away from home.”