Go Up Entertainment reported that the production of the biographical film "Dark Horse," centered on former president Jair Bolsonaro, cost over R$ 75 million [1].
The disclosure comes as the production company faces scrutiny over its financial records and its history as a filmmaker. The budget figure emerged from a private forensic audit commissioned in São Paulo, which was ordered as part of an investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds linked to the pre-campaign headquarters of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro [1, 2].
According to reports, the company spent R$ 54.2 million [3] on the production within the U.S. The film was shot in both Brazil and the United States, though the high cost of the production has raised questions among critics and regulators.
Despite the reported spending, some observers question the legitimacy of the project. Karina Ferreira da Gama said, "A Go Up Entertainment nunca lançou nenhum filme, nem no Brasil nem no exterior" [4]. This statement suggests that the company has no prior track record of releasing films in any market.
Legal and regulatory challenges continue to mount for the producers. Reports indicate that the National Cinema Agency, Ancine, could apply a fine of up to R$ 100,000 [5] against the company. Because of the ongoing investigations and the public desgaste associated with the project, the exhibition of the film may be delayed [1].
Go Up Entertainment has not provided further public details regarding the specific allocation of the R$ 75 million budget beyond the U.S. expenditures [1, 3].
“The production of the biographical film 'Dark Horse' cost over R$ 75 million.”
The discrepancy between the reported high production costs and the company's lack of a professional filmography suggests a potential focus on financial movement rather than cinematic output. When combined with the investigation into Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign funds, the 'Dark Horse' budget becomes a focal point for auditors attempting to trace the flow of public or political money into private entertainment ventures.
