March in Goa bursts into life with the exhilarating Carnival festivities, echoing the region’s rich Portuguese heritage. This month, film enthusiasts are invited to journey through the cinematic masterpieces of renowned filmmakers from Portugal and Brazil at the XIII Lusophone Film Festival 2025. Co-hosted by the Consulate General of Portugal and the Camoes Portuguese Language Centre, the festival also marks the joyous 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution.
Spanning until March 16, 2025, this illustrious festival showcases an engaging array of biographies and documentaries, featuring influential figures such as Edila and Pundalika Gaitonde, Sita Valles, Salgueiro Maia, Alvaro Cunhal, Carlos Paredes, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, Jose Cardoso Pires, and Luis Vaz de Camoes. Twelve films encompass dramas and narratives that vividly encapsulate the cultural and historical dimensions of Lusophone nations.
Themes of freedom, democracy, equality, and anti-discrimination intertwine within the festival’s offerings, forging connections among the vibrant cultures represented. At the festival’s launch, CLP Director Delfim Correia da Silva shared his enthusiasm: “Saturday marks International Women’s Day, and we are screening three impactful films on equal rights and opportunities.”
Breaking new ground, this year’s festival runs from March 10 to 16, hosted across multiple venues including Goa University, Parvatibai Chowgule College, and Shivaji University in Kolhapur. A partnership with the Luso-Brazilian organisation FESTin introduces two Brazilian films, Pureza and Porto Príncipe, expanding the cultural tapestry of the event. Future plans for a dedicated film festival in 2025 are also being discussed.
The festival commenced with the poignant documentary As Macas Azuis (2023) by Ricardo Leito, which unravels the life story of Edila Gaitonde, an Azorean writer and anti-colonial activist. Her husband, Pundalika Gaitonde, championed the Goan cause as a significant figure in India’s political landscape. Another highlight features Sita Valles in Margarida Cardoso’s documentary, celebrated at the 2022 IndieLisboa film fest, detailing her vital role in Angola’s liberation. This cinematic journey includes Pureza, spotlighting a mother’s heart-wrenching quest for her son, while Vadio presents the dilemma of a young boy lost in the vastness of his world.
In a nod to classic cinema, the festival enriches its lineup with Os Verdes Anos (1963), a tale of youthful love and the stark realities of life in Lisbon.
DETAILS
WHAT: XIII Lusophone Film Festival
WHERE: Camoes Portuguese Language Centre, Goa University, Parvatibai Chowgule College, Shivaji University
WHEN: March 6 – March 16
TIMINGS: 2.30 pm onwards
CONTACT: +91 7030655664 or e-mail [email protected]
The XIII Lusophone Film Festival 2025 in Goa invites film lovers to explore the rich cinematic heritage of Portugal and Brazil. Running from March 6 to 16, the festival features twelve films highlighting biographical and documentary narratives, focused on themes of freedom, democracy, and human rights. With venues spanning multiple locations and collaborations with Brazilian organisations, this festival celebrates historical milestones and cultural connections.
The XIII Lusophone Film Festival in Goa celebrates a rich tapestry of cinematic storytelling from Portugal and Brazil, honouring significant historical figures and pressing social themes. With a diverse lineup of films that resonantly connect cultural narratives, the festival invites audiences to immerse themselves in stories of freedom, equality, and resilience. This vibrant event not only commemorates a historical milestone but also expands its reach through collaborations and uplifting narratives, promising to enrich the cinematic landscape of Goa.
Original Source: www.gomantaktimes.com
