 Director Daniel Filho, whose film "Chico Xavier" was also in the competition to represent Brazil at the Oscars, criticized the Ministry's choice, labelling it as political, and saying that the film's title should have been "Lula, the Owner of Brazil".Arnaldo Jabor, whose film "A Suprema Felicidade" was also in the competition for the submission, chose not to comment on the Ministry's choice, saying that the commission "must have had reasons" to choose the film.According to producer Paula Barreto, the film may not be the best among the 23 competitors for the submission, but is the most adequate for the Academy Awards.