Petra Costa's documentary sequel, "Apocalypse in the Tropics," focuses on the threats to democracy in Brazil amidst the COVID pandemic. Initially projected to explore COVID's impact, the film reveals the rising influence of evangelical Christianity, particularly leaders promoting apocalyptic beliefs during crises. Costa discusses the consequences of Jair Bolsonaro’s policies, which resulted in significant COVID deaths. Despite challenges, including cuts to film funding, Costa managed to finance the project through independent sources, reflecting broader issues paralleling political dynamics in the United States and Brazil.
"At the [Academy] nominee lunch, I met Brad Pitt, who would then become an executive producer of this film. And because of the recognition of 'The Edge of Democracy,' we were able to finance this film independently..."
"Brazil struggled during the pandemic, becoming the country with the second-highest number of deaths after the U.S..., as Bolsonaro's policies led 700,000 people to die."
"These leaders were both giving the communities physical, spiritual, and psychological help during this time of crisis, but also saying things like, 'Jesus cures COVID, so don't use masks.'"
"This type of apocalyptic thinking is not minor, but is a great part of the fundamentalist evangelical population in Brazil, as well as in the United States."
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