THE GOLDEN HELMET 

Tuesday, June 10--------One of the charms of Festroia is that it always falls in the period when Portugal celebrates Portugal Day, the national day of independence. Today is the holiday, which is characterized by colorful parades and a day at the beach. It also is an opportunity for local audiences and visiting filmmakers and professionals to sample the finest Portugese films of the past year.

Festroia has a commitment to showcasing this work in a special section of Portugese Cinema of the Year. Unfortunately, outside of the festival circuit, most of these films and filmmakers are rather unknown. One hears from local filmmakers and actors here that the local film scene is very anemic and money is hard to come by, except for outside companies coming to shoot. While there is governmental subsidy support, it is very small, as compared to most other European countries.

That is a shame, since there is a good amount of talent on display in the program. Portugese filmmakers continue to expand the palette, looking at themes and subjects that the now open Portugese society must confront as part of the "new Europe".

From homosexuality and down syndrome in THE OTHER SIDE to sports and political corruption in CORRUPTION to teenage delinquency in THE GOLDEN HELMET, these films take a mature line on a changing Portugese society. Strong human dramas are also on tap, including the feminist FROM NOW ON and a May-December romance in WOLVES. The section also includes a mix of short films and music videos, to give even further focus on the newest talents coming to the fore. The program gives us international visitors a survey of the newest talents emerging on the Portugese film scene.

Sandy Mandelberger,  Festroia Dailies Editor