The Venice Film Festival will pay tribute to Portuguese master filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira (1908–2015) with the screening of his first feature film, Aniki Bóbó (1942), presented as part of a special program dedicated to restored cinematic masterpieces.

His works combined poetic vision, philosophical depth, and a uniquely Portuguese sensibility, often exploring themes of memory, identity, history, and faith. Throughout his career, he collaborated with international stars such as Catherine Deneuve, John Malkovich, Michel Piccoli, Marcello Mastroianni, and Isabelle Huppert, earning recognition at major festivals including Cannes and Venice

Aniki Bóbó, shot in Oliveira’s native Porto, tells the story of a group of children navigating friendship, jealousy, innocence, and moral awakening. The title derives from a traditional Portuguese children’s rhyme.

Initially misunderstood upon release, the film has since been celebrated as a pioneering work and a precursor to Italian neorealism, thanks to its naturalistic style, street settings, and focus on working-class life. Today, it is recognized as a cornerstone of Oliveira’s career and a masterpiece of Portuguese cinema.

The screening will reaffirm Oliveira’s profound influence on world cinema and honor a director whose legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.“Bringing Oliveira’s Aniki Bóbó back to Venice is not just a tribute to a great director but a celebration of cinema’s power to endure across time and generations,” said festival organizers.

Manoel de Oliveira, born in Porto, is regarded as one of the most visionary and enduring directors in world cinema. With a career spanning more than eight decades, he began in the silent era with Douro, Faina Fluvial (1931) and directed films well into the 21st century, becoming the longest-active filmmaker in history.

PAJ/Staff