Portuguese Directors

Below are some of the best Portuguese directors ever. Click on their pictures to discover more about them.

A Brief History of Portuguese Cinema

The first Portuguese feature film, “Os Crimes de Diogo Alves” (The Crimes of Diogo Alves), was produced in 1911, but the industry didn’t gain significant traction until the 1930s with the advent of sound. The Estado Novo regime under António de Oliveira Salazar, which ruled Portugal from 1933 to 1974, had a profound impact on the film industry. During this period, the industry was heavily censored and controlled by the state, leading to a focus on propagandistic content and light-hearted comedies known as “comédias à portuguesa.”

The 1960s and 1970s marked a significant shift in Portuguese cinema, often referred to as the “New Cinema” movement. This period was characterised by a break from traditional filmmaking norms and a move towards more experimental and politically engaged cinema. Directors like Paulo Rocha and Fernando Lopes emerged during this time, bringing a fresh perspective to Portuguese film. Paulo Rocha’s “Os Verdes Anos” and Fernando Lopes’ “Belarmino” are considered seminal works of this era, reflecting the social and political realities of Portugal with a new cinematic language. The Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended the dictatorship, also opened up new possibilities for filmmakers, allowing for greater creative freedom and international collaboration.

In recent decades, Portuguese cinema has continued to evolve, gaining international recognition and acclaim. Directors such as Pedro Costa, João César Monteiro, and Manoel de Oliveira have become well-known figures in the global film community. Manoel de Oliveira, who began his career in the 1930s, is especially noteworthy for his long and prolific career, becoming one of the most revered filmmakers in Portuguese history. His films, like “Aniki-Bóbó” and “Vale Abraão”, are celebrated for their poetic style and philosophical depth. Pedro Costa’s work, known for its minimalistic style and focus on marginalised communities, has also been influential. Films like “Ossos” and “Colossal Youth” have garnered critical acclaim for their stark realism and profound storytelling.