🎬 Portuguese Cinema Makes Waves at Cannes 2025

It’s been an exciting week for Portugal’s film scene! At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Portuguese talent showed up strong—and left with some serious recognition.

First off, huge congratulations to Cleo Diára, who took home Best Actress in the Un Certain Regard category for her role in I Only Rest in the Storm (O Riso e a Faca), directed by Pedro Pinho. The film—an international co-production between Portugal, Brazil, France, and Romania—dives into the complexities of humanitarian work in West Africa. If you haven’t heard of it yet, it’s definitely one to watch.

Even more exciting? Eight Portuguese films and co-productions were featured at Cannes this year. That’s right—eight!Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Two features in Un Certain Regard

• Three short films in the running for the Short Film Palme d’Or

• And others featured in parallel festival sections

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It’s such a proud moment for Portugal’s film industry. You can really feel the creative momentum building—from international festival recognition to support systems like the PIC Portugal Cash Rebate, which offers up to 30% back on eligible production costs. That kind of incentive is helping bring more filmmakers—and more stories—to life right here in Portugal.

Cleo Diára receiving Best Actress award at Cannes 2025 for 'I Only Rest in the Storm'

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📖 Read more about Portugal at Cannes 2025