Following her remarkable documentaries about the Brazilian justice system (Justiça, Juízo), Maria Augusta Ramos chronicles the most important trial in her country's recent history, which led to the impeachment and removal from office of President Dilma Rousseff. With incredible access to Rousseff's defence team and the months-long courtroom drama, as well as glimpses into mass demonstrations, the film opts for a wholly observational approach that skilfully dissects the political manoeuvring behind what many have called a parliamentary coup. Private conversations and public speeches reveal the structures of power and the complex interests at play. A visiting French senator apologizing for her country's poor coverage of the events reminds us that most media outlets were then more concerned with the Olympic Games than Brazil's profound crisis. A cautionary tale of betrayal and corruption, The Trial offers a fascinating look at how democratic institutions can collapse. Charlotte Selb
Co-presented with BRAFFTV.