Cannes 2024 // A Triumph for Portuguese Cinema

As the Cannes Film Festival concludes, the winners have been announced, and Portuguese cinema has emerged as a significant highlight of the event. This year’s festival not only celebrated the best in global filmmaking but also shone a spotlight on Portugal’s vibrant film industry.

The Winners

Best Director: Miguel Gomes – ‘Grand Tour’

Miguel Gomes clinched the Best Director award for his film Grand Tour. This period drama, set in 1918 Rangoon under British colonial rule, tells the story of a melancholic civil servant who abandons his fiancée on their wedding day, leading her on a quest to find him. The film was praised for its unique storytelling and visual artistry, further enhanced by being shot on 16mm film. This technique added a rich, authentic texture to the film, making it a visual masterpiece.

• Watch the Trailer
• Interview with Miguel Gomes

Notable Entries and Acclaim

• ‘Bad for a Moment’ by Daniel Soares: This short film was part of the official short film selection, earning praise for its poignant narrative and compelling direction.
• ‘Miséricorde’: Co-produced by Rosa Films, this film was featured in the Cannes Première section, showcasing Portugal’s strength in international co-productions.

Festival Highlights

Portuguese films were celebrated across various categories:

Directors’ Fortnight

• Savanna and the Mountain by Paulo Carneiro and When the Land Runs Away by Frederico Lobo highlighted environmental and social issues in Portugal through powerful storytelling.
• The Moving Garden by Inês Lima showcased the country’s rich natural landscapes and biodiversity.

The Portuguese Presence at Cannes

The presence of Portuguese filmmakers and talent on the red carpet at Cannes reflected the country’s growing influence in the global film industry. The success of these films at Cannes underscores the creative and technical prowess of Portugal’s film industry.

The Portuguese Film Rebate Incentive

A significant factor contributing to the success of Portuguese films at Cannes is the national cash rebate incentive. Administered by the Instituto do Cinema e Audiovisual (ICA), the Portuguese national film agency, the program offers a rebate of up to 30% on eligible expenses, making Portugal an attractive location for filmmakers worldwide. This initiative provides substantial financial incentives to attract international film productions to Portugal, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits local filmmakers and the economy.

Looking Ahead: The Next Six Months

The emerging trends from Cannes suggest a continued push towards inclusive and diverse storytelling within Portuguese cinema. The technological advancements and international collaborations seen at Cannes are expected to propel the industry forward.

The journey from Cannes 2024 is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

For more detailed information about the films and their screenings, visit the official Cannes Film Festival website or the Portugal Film Commission’s news page.