Portuguese director and producer José Barahona died this Saturday, in Lisbon, at the age of 55, producer Fernando Vendrell told the Lusa agency.
José Barahona died at home, as a result of a long illness, the same source said.
The director released the fictional film last October Survivorswhich he wrote in collaboration with José Eduardo Agualusa and in which he addressed the issue of colonialism and slavery.
Born in Lisbon in 1969, José Barahona graduated from the Escola Superior de Teatro e Cinema and completed studies in the United States and Cuba, wrote scripts, was a sound technician, produced and directed from the 1990s onwards .
He worked with Margarida Cardoso, Rita Azevedo Gomes, Sérgio Tréffaut, Rosa Coutinho Cabral or Fernando Vendrell, and signed the first films in the documentary, with a short film about the composer Vianna da Mota (who was his great-grandson) and with him the film The War Years – Guinea 1963-1974 (2000).
Among his most famous films is the first feature film I was in Lisbon and I remembered youa Portuguese-Brazilian co-production based on a work by the writer Luiz Ruffato.
The film also shows José Barahona’s connection with Brazil, where he lived and worked, namely at the production company Refinaria Filmes, in which he was involved.
Questions about colonialism or political militancy were present in other works by José Barahona, especially i Clandestine soul (2018), about Maria Auxiliadora Lara Barcelos, who fought against the dictatorship in Brazil, and the prize she won Nheengatu – Language of the Amazon (2020), in which the director searches for a trace of language left by former colonizers on the natives of the Amazon.
In 2010, he made a documentary in Brazil and released the book The lost manuscriptbased on the fictional character Fradique Mendes.
How did José Barahona’s international experiences shape his filmmaking style?
Title: Remembering José Barahona: A Conversation on Legacy and Impact in Portuguese Cinema
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us. Today, we are reflecting on the remarkable life and contributions of the late José Barahona, a revered figure in Portuguese cinema. With us is Dr. Ana Silva, a film historian and expert on contemporary Portuguese cinema. Ana, thank you for being here.
Dr. Ana Silva: Thank you for having me. It’s a bittersweet moment as we celebrate the life of such an influential filmmaker.
Interviewer: Absolutely. José Barahona’s passing at just 55 years old due to a long illness is deeply saddening. Can you share what you believe his main contributions were to the Portuguese film industry?
Dr. Silva: José Barahona was a multifaceted talent—director, producer, and writer. His work transcended mere entertainment; he addressed profound themes like colonialism and slavery, as highlighted in his latest film, Survivors. Released just last month, it resonates with many contemporary issues in Portugal and beyond. His ability to weave personal narratives with broader societal themes has certainly set a standard in our cinema.
Interviewer: Survivors is clearly a significant work. In what ways do you think this film reflects Barahona’s artistic vision and his background?
Dr. Silva: One of the hallmarks of Barahona’s films was his commitment to exploring the legacy of colonialism—both in historical contexts and its lingering effects today. His collaboration with José Eduardo Agualusa on Survivors signifies a deep engagement with these topics. Having studied in multiple countries, Barahona infused his work with diverse perspectives, making his storytelling rich and complex.
Interviewer: It’s inspiring to hear how his background influenced his storytelling. What can you tell us about his earlier career and the trajectory that led him to become such a respected director in Portugal?
Dr. Silva: José began his career in the 1990s, graduating from the Escola Superior de Teatro e Cinema. The blend of his technical skills—as a sound technician—and his narrative talent helped him craft compelling stories. He worked with established names like Margarida Cardoso and Rita Azevedo Gomes, learning and evolving throughout the years. His powerful voice in cinema truly began to emerge with films that addressed social issues and the human condition.
Interviewer: Reflecting on his collaborations, how important do you think they were to his growth as an artist?
Dr. Silva: Collaborations were crucial for him. They not only expanded his artistic horizons but also allowed him to engage in thoughtful dialogues about film and culture. Working with other directors and writers enriched his vision and contributed to a unique narrative style—blending technical expertise with poignant storytelling.
Interviewer: Considering Barahona’s impact, how do you think his legacy will influence future generations of filmmakers in Portugal?
Dr. Silva: José Barahona’s dedication to important cultural narratives will inspire future filmmakers to tackle difficult subjects with courage. His legacy will likely encourage a new wave of filmmakers to explore themes related to identity, memory, and history. He taught us that cinema can be a powerful tool for reflection and change.
Interviewer: As we reflect on his passing, what do you think the Portuguese film community can do to honour his memory?
Dr. Silva: I believe the best way to honour José Barahona is to continue discussing and promoting his works, especially Survivors. Film festivals can showcase his films, and universities could include his work in their curricula. Additionally, creating scholarships or grants in his name could encourage budding filmmakers to explore the social issues he championed.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ana. Your insights into José Barahona’s work and his lasting influence are invaluable. He will surely be missed by many, but his contributions to cinema will continue to inspire.
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me. Let’s remember Barahona for his incredible talent and his unwavering commitment to truth in storytelling.