DEMOCRATIC OPPOSITION
Portugal, 2025 | FIC, 44'51’
RTP series | Produced by Bando à Parte
Director: Edgar Pêra
In the midst of António de Oliveira Salazar's dictatorial regime, the years 1965 to 1968 marked the resistance to fascism by the Braga Democrats, with figures such as Santos Simões, a teacher and cultural visionary, and Eduardo Ribeiro, an inseparable friend in the fight against the electoral farce of those years of repression. In Guimarães, opposition to the regime intensified, while PIDE watched, persecuted and brutally repressed any sign of subversion. In this first episode, the series portrays the political tensions, personal sacrifices and bonds forged in the fight for freedom, anticipating the changes that would culminate in the 1974 Revolution.
ACADEMIC CRISIS
Portugal, 2025 | FIC, 46'13’
RTP series | Produced by Bando à Parte
Director: Carlos Amaral
In 1969, the Academic Crisis marked a turning point in Portugal and placed Alberto Martins at the centre of this resistance movement. As leader of the Coimbra Students' Association, Alberto is responsible for initiating the crisis that directly challenges the regime and its educational policies. The episode follows the growing opposition to the regime and the colonial war by university students who face military and police repression. At the same time, Rui Guimarães, a military officer involved in the colonial war, struggles internally as he watches the young cadets being chastised for being against an unjust war. The tensions between the students and the armed forces precipitate Salazar's dictatorship towards its end.
ARMED FIGHT
Portugal, 2025 | FIC, 48'30’
RTP Series | Produced by Bando à Parte
Director: Carlos Amaral
After deserting the colonial war and fleeing to France ‘on the run’, Casimiro Ribeiro joins the L.U.A.R. in the fight against the Portuguese dictatorship. In Paris, Casimiro became involved in clandestine activities, including the robbery of a bank vault to finance the armed struggle. His life takes an even more dangerous turn when, on his return to Portugal, he crosses paths with agent Nogueira, jeopardising both his mission to overthrow the regime and his own freedom.
LABOUR STRUGGLE
Portugal, 2025 | FIC, 44'56’
RTP series | Produced by Bando à Parte
Director: Edgar Pêra
In the increasingly tense textile factories of Guimarães, workers like João Ribeiro and Lurdes Mesquita lead the fight for better working conditions and social justice. The factory strike, triggered by the abuses and oppression of boss Mello, gains momentum as the workers mobilise to organise a truly representative union. However, the regime's authorities, including the PIDE, were quick to repress the demonstrations with arrests and violence. With the support of the Catholic Workers League, Lurdes and her allies faced the harsh reality of the union struggle, trying to unite the workers and win the union elections, even in the face of threats and retaliation.
THE REVOLUTION
Portugal, 2025 | FIC, 41'10’
RTP series | Produced by Bando à Parte
Director: Carlos Amaral and Edgar Pêra
In the last episode, the Carnation Revolution is portrayed through the actions of Rui Guimarães, who confronts Colonel Mendonça and takes command of Infantry Regiment 8 to support the revolutionary movement. Meanwhile, Casimiro Ribeiro resists the brutality of the PIDE and Santos Simões takes part in organising the foundations for a democratic society. The release of political prisoners and the demonstrations in Guimarães symbolise the end of fascism, with victory over oppression and hope for democracy and freedom in Portugal.
