“Saudade as an authentic characteristic of contemporary Portuguese auteur animation”

Abstract

This theoretical thesis explores the uniqueness of contemporary independent animation in Portugal. It starts with research on the history of development of animation in Portugal. There were four main periods which can be highlighted: the birth of animated cinema in the country, the commercial period, the time of the growth of “amateur cinema” and the last Cinanima period, which led to the beginning of the modern auteur animation. Second chapter is fully dedicated to the new generation of animators. There are four main director who play leading parts in the animation industry in Portugal. Abi Feijo, Regina Pessoa, David Doutel and Vasco Sá created films which represent Portuguese animation inside the country and also on the international animation arena. Based on research of such films as Fado Lusitano, A Noite, Tragic Story with Happy Ending, Kali the Little Vampire and Fuligem it can be concluded that all films have common features which distinguish Portuguese animated films. Special visual style, complex storytelling full of metaphors combined with motifs of typical Portuguese feeling of nostalgia are the aspects which make animation culture of Portugal interesting and authentic for the audience outside the country.