Funding Scandal Hits Bolsonaro Biopic ‘Dark Horse’ as Producer Reverses Denial
The production of Dark Horse, a cinematic biography inspired by the political trajectory of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has been plunged into controversy following a dramatic reversal regarding its financial backing. Mário Frias, a federal deputy and the film’s executive producer, admitted on May 14, 2026, that the project received funds from Daniel Vorcaro, the owner of Banco Master.
The admission comes after a series of contradictory public statements. Just one day prior, on May 13, 2026, both Frias and the production company, GOUP Entertainment, had categorically denied any financial ties to Vorcaro. At the time, the studio insisted that not a single cent from Vorcaro, Banco Master, or any company under his corporate control had been used to fund the feature.
In a subsequent note to the press, Mário Frias claimed there was no contradiction in his statements, but rather a “difference of interpretation regarding the formal origin of the investment.” Frias explained that while Vorcaro was not a direct legal signatory and Banco Master was not listed as an investing company, the legal relationship was established through Entre Investimentos e Participações, a separate entity that operates in partnership with Vorcaro’s other business ventures.
This funding revelation adds to a growing cloud of legal and financial scrutiny surrounding the project. Reports indicate that the producer of the Bolsonaro film captured R$ 111 million in public funds, raising questions about the allocation of government resources for the biopic.
The legal pressure is intensifying as government officials move in. Minister Dino has ordered an investigation into the alleged diversion of parliamentary amendments specifically intended for film productions.
the Supreme Federal Court (STF) is reportedly seeking Mário Frias to clarify details regarding an amendment sent to an NGO linked to the film’s production company.
Adding another layer to the controversy, the producers of Dark Horse have claimed that Flávio Bolsonaro solicited funds from multiple companies to support the project.
The intersection of high-stakes political storytelling and complex financial maneuvering continues to put the production of Dark Horse under the microscope, highlighting the volatile nature of politically charged cinema.
