Portuguese film fiesta from Feb 6

NT BUZZ

The Consulate General of Portugal in Goa and the Camões Portuguese Language Centre in Panaji are all set to present the XIV Lusophone Film Festival 2026 that will take place from February 6 to 15 in Goa, Maharashtra and Hyderabad.

This year’s event includes 20 feature and short films of various genres like comedies, dramas, documentaries, and animated films that portray some of the most striking cultural aspects of the countries of the Portuguese-speaking space.

The inaugural ceremony will take place on February 6, 6 p.m., in Auditorium I of the Maquinez Palace, of the Entertainment Society of Goa, Panaji, followed by the screening of the film ‘The Memory of the Smell of Things’ by António Ferreira. This Luso-Brazilian co-production explores the vulnerability of the body, the weight of memory, and the strength of empathy. The main character is Arménio, an octogenarian ex-combatant of the Portuguese colonial war, interned in a nursing home. In this new universe of routines, fragilities and silences, he meets Hermínia, a black assistant who starts to take care of him. An unlikely friendship is born between them, which forces him to confront the ghosts of the past and seek redemption. The film was in competition at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, where José Martins, the lead actor, received the Best Actor Award.

‘A Wolf Among the Swans’, one of the best Brazilian films premiered in 2025 will be screened as the closing film. Directed by Marcos Schechtman and Helena Varvaki, the film tells the story of Thiago Soares, a boy from the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro who leaves hip hop behind and embarks on the world of classical ballet.

On February 7, the first two sessions, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., will be dedicated to youngsters with the screening of animated films like ‘Fita Cor-de Rosa’, the documentary ‘Lindo’, ‘A Bola’ and the Brazilian comedy ‘Pacarrete’. All the films will have English subtitles.

Like last year, from February 9 to 15, the festival will travel to other locations with screenings at the Goa University, Taleigao; Parvatibai Chowgule College, Margao; Shivaji University, Kolhapur; and the Hyderabad University.

Details: 7030655664 / clpgoa@gmail.com