Guide: Visit Key Locations from The Secret Agent

The film “O Agente Secreto” has garnered four Oscar nominations for 2026, sparking interest among Brazilians to visit the actual filming locations. Set in 1977, Recife serves as a backdrop that intricately weaves together historical spaces with political narratives. The city’s portrayal reflects memories of the military dictatorship, urban mystery, and political persecution. Guided tours have emerged, taking both residents and tourists to the film’s various locations, enhancing the connection between cinema and history.

Visit Key Locations from The Secret Agent

The film’s narrative is closely tied to the historic center of Recife, using locations not merely as scenery but as vital storytelling elements. These sites illuminate the period lived by the characters and enrich the film’s storyline.

Avenida Rio Branco and Folha de Pernambuco

• The tour begins at Avenida Rio Branco, featuring the façade of the Folha de Pernambuco building.
• This site was pivotal for filming a scene related to the “Perna Cabeluda,” a urban legend from the 1970s, symbolizing collective fear.

Parque 13 de Maio and Historical Repression

Covering 6.9 hectares, Parque 13 de Maio has a tumultuous history linked to meetings disrupted by state repression. The park’s dim lighting facilitated clandestine gatherings for couples and the LGBTQIAPN+ community.

According to tour guide Everaldo Júnior, many gatherings were interrupted by agents of the dictatorship, leading to reports of mysterious assaults linked to the aforementioned urban legend.

Ponte Buarque de Macedo and Mate Brasília

• The journey continues to Ponte Buarque de Macedo, leading to Mate Brasília, a diner established in 1984.
• In the film, it serves as a hideout for the character Vilmar, played by Kayoni Venancio, representing resilience amid urban decay.

Correios Building and Political Surveillance

The Correios building, inaugurated in 1950 on Avenida Guararapes, plays a crucial role in the plot where a significant telegram is sent. Historically, families of persecuted individuals avoided this place, as many correspondences were intercepted by the Dops.

Ginásio Pernambucano and Educational Memory

• Crossing the Ponte Princesa Isabel, the tour leads to the Ginásio Pernambucano, Brazil’s oldest functioning public school, established in 1825.
• In the film, it serves as a governmental office where Armando, portrayed by Wagner Moura, disguises himself.

Museum and Dops Archives

Within this complex lies the Museu Luiz Jacques Brunet, which houses files simulating identification forms of individuals monitored by the Dops. It is here that the character seeks information about his mother, underscoring the building’s historical significance and its connections to notable figures like Ariano Suassuna and Clarice Lispector.

A Journey Through Cinema and History

Visiting the locations from “O Agente Secreto” offers more than just a cinematic experience; it is a deep dive into Recife’s political, cultural, and urban landscapes. The guided tours merge cinema with memory and a sense of belonging. For viewers of the film, the experience enhances the narrative’s meaning. For newcomers, it serves as an invitation to explore the rich context behind the film.