In 2010, the murder of Eliza Samudio made headlines across Brazil. The 25-year-old disappeared along with her infant son while dating star soccer goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes de Souza, widely known as Bruno, a year after going to the press and the police about his violent behavior. The true-crime documentary An Invisible Victim: The Eliza Samudio Case explores how Bruno’s stardom prevented Samudio from being protected when she needed it most. It reveals those who — along with Bruno — were found complicit in her murder. From director Juliana Antunes (Baronesa), the film was written by Carol Pires (The Edge of Democracy) and Caroline Cavalcanti Margoni.
The disappearance of the model Eliza Samudio and her 4-month-old son made headlines in Brazil and around the world. The main suspect was the child’s father, Bruno, who at the time was the goalkeeper and captain of the Brazilian professional soccer team Flamengo, based in Rio de Janeiro. Samudio had been dating Bruno and was carrying his child, not knowing that he was married to another woman. After she came forward with allegations of his violence, Bruno denied their relationship. Samudio attempted to obtain a restraining order against the star soccer player, but her request was denied. She disappeared the following year. As the investigation transpired, several people with ties to Bruno were implicated. The documentary delves into the events leading up to Samudio’s disappearance and interviews those involved in the case.
Yes. The documentary tells the true story of the murder of Eliza Samudio.
Known simply as Bruno, Bruno Fernandes de Souza is a former professional soccer player. From 2007 to 2010, he was the goalkeeper and later the captain for the Brazilian soccer club Flamengo. Due to the investigation into Samudio’s disappearance, Bruno was suspended from the team in 2010.
