Intermissions follows Lula during the hectic election campaign for the presidency in 2002. Lula gave filmmaker João Moreira Salles and his crew complete access, and the result is an intimate documentary of what went on behind the scenes. Sometimes, Lula is afraid that he will lose his freedom as president. Combined with Lula's candor, the film's observational style provides some very special insight into one of Brazil's most popular leaders.

The documentary recalls the political reopening of the country, and narrates in detail the events that culminated in the election of Tancredo Neves as the first civilian president after 20 years of military dictatorship.