Temer Hopes Documentary Will Make Him 'Very Popular Ex-President'

Former Brazilian President Michel Temer expressed hope that the documentary "963 Days" will elevate his public image, stating, "If I wasn't a popular president, I hope this documentary makes me a very popular ex-president." Directed by Bruno Barreto, the film chronicles Temer's administration from 2016 to 2018, a period marked by controversy after he assumed office following the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff.

Temer described the film as "extraordinary" and denied it was a "whitewash," despite its laudatory segments. He also clarified that the production received no public funds or sponsorship from Banco Master. The documentary features forty interviewees, but notably excludes figures from the Workers' Party, who director Barreto stated declined invitations to participate.

The film contextualizes Temer's initial role as Dilma Rousseff's vice president, an attempt by Lula da Silva to stabilize political forces. It portrays Rousseff as dignified but politically inexperienced, who delegated congressional negotiations to Temer. The narrative then moves to the Lava Jato investigation and other political missteps that led to the impeachment, framing Temer as a figure thrust into the presidency by circumstance.

"963 Days" focuses more on the measures implemented after Temer's effective assumption of the presidency, including the "Bridge to the Future" program's austerity measures like spending caps and reforms. The film touches upon the Joesley Day crisis, interrupting the narrative with biographical details from Temer's childhood.