Acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz, a Golden Lion recipient for “The Woman Who Left,” is currently completing post-production on “An Entry Into the Sadness of a Portuguese Woman,” the final installment of his “Hermes Trilogy.” The director unveiled the project during the Venice Gap-Financing Market held earlier this month, while simultaneously presenting another Venice selection to festival audiences this week.
Set in Lisbon, the drama centers on Lieutenant Ines Horta, described as an exceptional detective who pursues an investigation alongside Sergeant Mariana Moura. The narrative takes a critical turn when the pair expects assistance from Filipino Lieutenant Hermes Papauran that fails to materialize, forcing Horta to proceed independently and placing Moura in peril. The film connects thematically to Diaz’s previous trilogy entries, “When the Waves Are Gone” and “Essential Truths of the Lake,” both premiering at Locarno and featuring the disillusioned Filipino investigator portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz.
Though the Portuguese officer takes center stage, the absent Filipino detective remains a symbolic presence throughout the narrative. According to Diaz, both characters embody shared ideals and unwavering commitment to uncovering truth, operating as principled outsiders within compromised systems. The director emphasized that his detective narratives transcend conventional mystery-solving to explore profound existential questions about human existence and moral complexity.
Produced by Films Boutique with co-production support from Epic Media and Rosa Filmes, the film stars Monica Calle, Ana Vilela Da Costa, and Cruz. Multiple European broadcasters and funding bodies, including ARTE and Bord Cadre, have backed the production.
Originally reported by Variety →
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