‘The history of the film society activity of Henrique Espírito Santo provides a perfect demonstration of the history of progressive film society activity in Portugal and its constant confrontation with the two most repressive and limiting arms of the Salazar regime, censorship and the political police.

Recalling the words of Manuel Pina, another committed film society member and his “partner in crime”, Henrique had a special nose for sniffing out the films that enlivened the sessions organised by the film societies and for which he also wrote countless concealed agitprop texts.

During the 60s, the repression of film societies reached its peak and only the revolution of 25 April 1974, with the abolition of censorship, allowed for free cinematographic promotion and viewing, which at the same time represented a huge challenge to the continuation of film society activity.’

This lecture takes place in the context of the exhibition Post-Pop- Beyond the commonplace.

Miguel Cardoso

Participants: Miguel Cardoso and Henrique Espírito Santo

The session will begin with a screening of a section of extra material from the documentary Até Amanhã, Henrique! [See You Tomorrow, Henrique!], by Miguel Cardoso, from the series ‘Vidas com Rumo’ [Lives with Direction], on the film society activities of Henrique Espírito Santo. Duration: c. 15’