Development

With experience in documentary films, the director João Jardim has gathered an extensive material research, including films and rare books, documents and biographies of contemporary politicians, as well as notes of Alzira Vargas, Getúlio's daughter. "This allowed a deep dive on the contradictory figure of the political leader, and nationalist dictator," praises Tony Ramos.^[6]

The idea for the film came about, according to the director, shortly after filming the documentary Pro Dia Nascer Feliz about education and schools in Brazil. "What I loved was not talking about Getúlio, but tell a story that echoes still today, which is connected with the formation of our country, with our current moment".^[6]

Jardim revealed that chose Tony Ramos for the role due to his similarities of personality with the character. "Getúlio was reserved and charismatic, I was looking for someone like that, and the differential of Tony was the talent. He does everything brilliantly" admits, emphasizing the originality of the story in his film. "It's a story that completes 60 years and that had never been told," he said.^[7]

Filming

Filming took place in the Catete Palace, in Rio de Janeiro, seat of the federal government at the time and where Getúlio killed himself with a gunshot to the chest, in 1954.^[8]