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Police investigation revealed that the director of the documentary “O Grito”, available on Netflix, had his trip to Europe financed by the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC).
In the Brazilian cultural scene, audiovisual productions often explore complex social themes, seeking to shed light on little-debated issues.
Recently, one of these works has gained prominence not only for its content, but also for the controversies surrounding it.
A documentary that aims to dissect the inner workings of the Brazilian prison system is now at the center of a police investigation that reveals unexpected and worrying connections.
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Investigation reveals PCC funding for documentary director
An investigation conducted by the Civil Police of São Paulo revealed that filmmaker Rodrigo Giannetto, director of the documentary 'O Grito – Regime Disciplinar Diferenciado', had his trip to Europe financed by the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC).
According to the police report, as publication of the Metrópoles website, the airline tickets, worth R$18.350, were purchased by Kauê do Amaral Coelho, identified as a member of the criminal faction and suspected of involvement in the murder of businessman Vinícius Gritzbach in November 2024.
International travel and participation in festivals
Rodrigo Giannetto embarked on an international trip between October 6 and 24, 2024, with destinations in Palermo, Italy, and London, United Kingdom.
The main purpose of the trip was to participate in the Festival Internazionale Nebrodi Cinema, where the documentary was shown and received an honorable mention.
The discovery of illicit financing raises questions about the influence of organized crime on cultural productions and international events.
Positioning of the director and Netflix
In response to the accusations, Rodrigo Giannetto denied any connection with the PCC and stated that he did not know Kauê do Amaral Coelho.
According to the director, the trip was organized to represent the film at an international festival, and the tickets were provided as an incentive by a travel agency recommended by NGOs present at the documentary's launch.
Giannetto highlighted that all other costs of the trip were paid for by himself.
Netflix, in turn, clarified that 'The Grudge' is not an original production of the platform, but rather licensed content.
The company stated that it had no involvement in the production, financing or organization of the film's participation in festivals.
This clarification highlights the distinction between original and licensed content available in the platform's catalog.
Content and repercussion of the documentary 'The Scream'
'O Grito – Regime Disciplinar Diferenciado' is a documentary that offers a critical look at the Brazilian penitentiary system, especially after the implementation of ordinance 157/2019.
This ordinance restricted visiting rights and freedom of movement of inmates in maximum security federal prisons, significantly affecting the social and family ties of prisoners.
The production includes interviews with family members of notorious inmates, such as Marcola and Marcinho VP, as well as experts and authorities such as Minister Luís Roberto Barroso, Minister Anielle Franco and Father Júlio Lancelotti.
The documentary seeks to expose the consequences of restrictive prison policies and encourage a debate on the effectiveness and humanity of the Brazilian prison system.
Operation 'Fake Scream' and legal developments
The revelation about the financing of Giannetto's trip came in the context of the 'Fake Scream' operation, conducted by the São Paulo Civil Police in partnership with the Special Task Force to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco).
The operation investigates the relationship between the NGO Pacto Social & Carcerário de SP and the PCC, suspecting that the organization served as a front for the criminal faction's illicit actions.
The name of the operation, which translated means 'false cry', makes direct reference to the title of the documentary, suggesting a possible attempt to manipulate public opinion through the work.
To date, 12 people have been preventively arrested, including lawyers and NGO leaders, on charges of filing illegitimate lawsuits and reporting directly to the PCC.
Implications for the cultural sector and society
The discovery of illicit financing raises debates about the vulnerability of the cultural sector to the influence of criminal organizations.
Questions about the origin of resources for artistic productions and the possibility of manipulation of narratives by criminal factions become central in this context.
Experts warn of the need for greater transparency and rigor in raising funds for cultural projects, aiming to prevent organized crime from using art as a means of legitimization or propaganda.
Furthermore, the case highlights the importance of critical analysis by the public regarding cultural productions and their possible obscure connections.
Brazil's current administration under the PT party has tragically opened the doors to unprecedented criminal influence. Over the past three years, the notorious criminal organization PCC, recognized internationally as one of Brazil's most dangerous mafias, has gained alarming prominence both domestically and abroad. Witnessing people compromised by organized crime financing is deeply troubling yet unsurprising. Brazilians deserve transparency and accountability—not a regime veiled in corruption and authoritarian practices. We must urgently reclaim our democracy from the shadow of crime-driven interests that threaten the Brazilian nation's future.