EFF: The Portuguese House

This film is also showing at our sister cinemas, Lido Cinemas and Ritz Cinemas

Una quinta portuguesa

Australian & New Zealand Premiere

“A charming film that restores your faith in humanity – Avelina Prat confirms that she has invented the ‘auteur feel-good movie’.” – Cineuropa

Fernando, a quiet geography teacher, is devastated when one morning, without warning or explanation, his wife packs her things and leaves their home in Barcelona to return to her native Serbia. Heartbroken and confused, Fernando decides to take a break from teaching and travel to the northwest of Portugal, where he ends up assuming the identity of a gardener who is due to take up a job at a gorgeous old country house on an almond grove. There, he strikes up a friendship with the owner, Amália, who’s not as easily deceived by Fernando’s ruse as he thinks she is. 

Gentle, contemplative and profoundly empathetic, The Portuguese House considers questions of what constitutes identity and the ways we construct our own realities. It’s led by heartfelt performances from Manolo Solo (Pan’s Labyrinth) and Maria de Medeiros (Pulp Fiction), telling a story of second chances, reinvention and the restorative power of embracing a daily life that moves at a slower pace, with a stronger connection to the land.

Festivals & Awards

San Sebastian International Film Festival 2025 – Official Selection
Málaga Film Festival 2025 – Official Competition
Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema, 2025 – SIGNIS Special Mention
Uruguay International Film Festival 2025 – Official Selection

Rating

Unclassified 18+

Duration

110 min

Country

Spain, Portugal

Language

Spanish, Portuguese (English subtitles)

Cast

Manolo Solo, Maria de Medeiros, Branka Katić, Rita Cabaço

Director

Avelina Prat