Portuguese cinema is mourning the death of filmmaker João Canijo (1957-2026),  one of the most influential and uncompromising voices in contemporary Portuguese film.

Throughout his career, he collaborated closely with actors and writers to develop a unique narrative universe centered on family dynamics, social tensions, and the complexities of power and identity.

Renowned for his intense realism and psychologically complex narratives, Canijo built a distinguished career marked by artistic rigor and international recognition. His death represents a profound loss for Portugal’s cultural landscape and the global film community.

Over several decades, João Canijo directed a series of acclaimed films that redefined Portuguese cinematic language, including Sapatos Pretos (2007), Sangue do Meu Sangue (2011), Mal Viver and Viver Mal (2023), among others. His work was showcased at major international festivals, including Berlin, Venice, and Rotterdam, and received numerous national and international awards. Sangue do Meu Sangue was widely regarded as a milestone in Portuguese cinema. At the same time, Mal Viver and Viver Mal earned him international critical acclaim and major festival honors, reinforcing his status as one of Europe’s most distinctive filmmakers. 

Beyond his filmography, João Canijo inspired new generations of filmmakers with his bold aesthetic vision and his commitment to exploring uncomfortable truths with artistic integrity. As Portugal and the Lusophone world pay tribute to his life and work, João Canijo will be remembered not only as a master storyteller but also as a cultural figure who expanded the boundaries of Portuguese film and projected it onto the international stage. He was born on December 10, 1957, and died on January 29, 2026, in Vila Viçosa, Portugal. More @ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0133981/

PAJ/Staff