The Portuguese Academy of Cinema has selected Margarida Cardoso's film "Banzo" to represent Portugal in the International Feature Film category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The decision followed a voting period that concluded on September 10, 2025.
"Banzo" delves into the enduring legacy of Portuguese colonialism in Africa, examining the historical memories and deep-seated scars left behind through a contemporary narrative. The film has garnered attention for its striking visual aesthetic and intimate storytelling, offering a profound reflection on identity, inherited pain, and collective memory.
The narrative unfolds in the early 20th century on a tropical African island, starkly portraying the exploitative relationship between Portuguese colonizers and Black laborers subjected to forced work. Central to the story is Afonso, a doctor dispatched to the island to treat enslaved individuals suffering from "banzo," a condition characterized by profound nostalgia and despair stemming from enslavement.
The film's journey began with its premiere in Portuguese cinemas on January 23, 2025, after its international debut at IndieLisboa 2024, where it received the "Árvore da Vida" Award. "Banzo" has also been recognized with selections for other international accolades, underscoring its critical acclaim and thematic resonance.
Portugal's cinematic history with the Academy Awards reveals a persistent pursuit of international recognition, with the country having submitted films since 1980 without yet securing a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category. This makes Portugal the country with the most submissions without a nomination. The film's selection for the 98th Academy Awards represents a hopeful step in this ongoing endeavor.
Director Margarida Cardoso has expressed that the film uses metaphors of "zombies and specters" to illustrate the psychological effects of "banzo," drawing literary inspiration from authors like Joseph Conrad. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a critical view of the past and encouraging open dialogue about colonial memories. The film's production, a collaboration between Portugal, France, and the Netherlands, highlights a shared European engagement with these complex historical narratives. The film was shot in São Tomé and Príncipe, an island with a significant colonial past, which Cardoso notes is intrinsically linked to the film's themes. The term "banzo" itself originates from the Kimbundu word "mebanza," meaning house, and historically refers to a form of depression and profound homesickness experienced by enslaved individuals, sometimes leading to suicide. Cardoso views this as a powerful metaphor for the agency of those who, even in the face of immense suffering, could choose to disengage from their oppressive circumstances.