IndieLisboa 2025: A Celebration of Lusophone Cinema
This year marks the 22nd edition of the Portuguese film festival taking place in various cinemas across Lisbon, particularly at Culturgest.
Festival Highlights
The IndieLisboa International Film Festival, running from May 1 to 11, features 13 Lusophone films showcasing a diverse selection of shorts and features from Africa and Brazil. In an interview with Lusa, festival director Carlos Ramos highlighted two notable entries in the National Competition: "Balane 3" by Portuguese director Ico Costa, and "Hanami" by luso-Cape Verdean filmmaker Denise Fernandes.
Denise Fernandes makes her feature film debut while Ico Costa returns with a film shot in Mozambique.
Brazilian Productions
Carlos Ramos noted the strong presence of Brazilian productions at the festival, emphasizing their significance. One standout film from Brazil in the IndieMusic category is "Milton Bituca Nascimento", directed by Flávia Moraes. This documentary pays tribute to the renowned singer-songwriter during his farewell tour, featuring testimonials from artists like Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, Carminho, and Maro.
Noteworthy Documentaries
Among the highlights is "Orlando Pantera", a documentary by Catarina Alves Costa that revives the legacy of the Cape Verdean musician through archival footage and musical reenactments. The film also showcases contemporary interpretations by artists such as Mayra Andrade and Princezito, illustrating the musician's lasting influence.
In the Rizoma category, aimed at a broader audience, "O Último Azul" by Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro stands out. This recently awarded film tackles issues of aging and social exclusion among the elderly in Brazil. Another contender in this section is "Nós, Povo das Ilhas" by Elson Santos and Lara Sousa, which narrates the story of 31 Cape Verdean youths who were sent to Cuba for military training during Portuguese colonialism to fight for independence.
Selection Criteria
Films included in the festival's annual program can be selected through submission or by the festival's own choice, with Carlos Ramos noting that the criteria for selection are often very subjective.
This year's festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Lusophone cinema, showcasing the rich cultural connections between Portugal and its former colonies.
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