Agustina Bessa-Luís

Writing

Agustina Bessa-Luís

Born 1922-10-15 · Amarante, Portugal

Agustina Bessa-Luís, was a Portuguese writer. From 1986 and 1987, she was director of the daily O Primeiro de Janeiro (Porto). From 1990 to 1993, she was director of the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II (Lisbon). Her novels have been adapted for the screen by director Manoel de Oliveira: Fanny Owen ("Francisca"), Abraham's Valley, and The Lands of Risk ("The Convent"), in addition to the Party. Her novel As Terras do Risco was the basis for the film O Convento in 1995. She was awarded the Camões Prize in 2004.

Acting credits

Behind the camera

Party poster
6.5

The battle of the sexes? The forces of despair and seduction? On S. Miguel in the Azores, Rogério, a young man with old money, and his enigmatic wife Leonor host a garden party at their villa. The intriguing guests are an older unmarried couple, the philosophical and observant Irene, and Michel, a roué. While Rogério and Irene talk, Michel and Leonor go down to the sea. The conversations upset Rogério and capture Leonor's imagination. Five years later, the four dine at the villa. Michel and Leonor again leave the other two. Intentions and undercurrents are subtle. One of the four proves strong, one weak, and two must choose. Wind and rain bring down the curtain on both acts.

Party

1996

The Convent poster
5.3

The journey of Michael Padovic, an American professor who arrives with his wife, Helene, at a Portuguese convent where he expects to find the documents needed to prove his theory: Shakespeare was born in Spain; not in England.

The Convent

1995

The Portuguese Woman poster
6.5

North of Italy, the von Kettens dispute the forces of the Episcopate of Trent. Herr Ketten seeks marriage in a distant country, Portugal. After their honeymoon journey back home, Ketten leaves again for the war. Eleven years elapsed… Rumours are running about the presence of that 'foreigner' in the castle. Some say she's a heretic. Until one day, the Bishop of Trento ends up dying and, with the signature of peace, falls the background of von Ketten's life. Will the Portuguese win, where death seems to be moving in?

The Portuguese Woman

2019

The Conquest of Faro poster
7.0

Arriving in a hotel in the city of Faro, a couple learns there are no available tables left. When another couple agrees to share a table, they spark a conversation on the city’s history, unfolding the tales of King Afonso III, who betrays his wife, and of a Moorish woman, who betrays her father.

The Conquest of Faro

2005

Inquietude poster
6.8

An anthology film drama featuring a poetic mirror structure based on existential identity. In "The Immortals," adapted from a Helder Prista Monteiro play, two famous doctors, an 80-year-old father, and his 60-year-old son, contemplate senility and death. "Suzy," from an Antonio Patricio story, is set in the '30s when a young courtesan dies on the operating table. "Mother of the River" is from an Agustina Bessa-Luis fable about eternal life.

Inquietude

1998

Visit, or Memories and Confessions poster
7.3

A long-hidden, personal doc about leaving a beloved house by the late, revered Portuguese director Manoel de Oliveira.

Visit, or Memories and Confessions

2015