Directed by Francisco Manso
(Portugal/Brazil/Cape Verde/France/Belgium l997) Portuguese with
English subtitles
Based on a novel by the acclaimed Cape Verdean author Germano
Almeida, Testamento is "a meditation on life and the choices one makes." An
absolute treat for the eyes, Testamento was shot in the tiny Cape Verdean city
of Mindelo off the coast of West Africa. Set against breathtaking views of
mountains, desert terrain and endless beaches, the film unfolds with the death
of Mr. Napumoceno (Nelson Xavier), the wealthiest businessman in Cape Verde.
His death touches everybody in the city of Mindelo-especially his nephew
Carlos (Chico Diaz), who anticipates inheriting his uncle's business and
estate. Unknown to Carlos, his uncle's life was full of secrets that are
finally revealed in his will and through tapes he leaves for his illegitimate
daughter, Graca (Maria Ceica), the surprise heiress to his fortune. Through
the tapes, Mr. Napumoceno recounts the story of his life, passions, and love.
The soundtrack of Testamento is scored by the internationally-acclaimed Cape
Verdean musician Tito Paris, and features an appearance by world music Cape
Verdean diva, Cesaria Evora.
Testamento is Portugese director Manso's first feature.
International festival prizes include Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best
Actor in the 25th International Film Festival of Gramado (Brazil) in l997;
Best Film in the l997 Cine Eco: and the People's Choice Award in the l997
Festival of the Luso and Brazilian Cinema(Santa Maria da Feira).
TESTAMENTO BACKSTORY
The backstory of how Testamento came to the United States is one
of those accidents of fate. I was in Cape Verde in l996 on a research project
at the same time the production of Testamento was underway in Mindelo, Sao
Vicente,the city where my daughter and I were living. I recognized the high
production value of the shoot, and liked the fact that it was based on a Cape
Verdean novel by a Cape Verdean writer, and that it was shot in Cape Verde.
Further I felt it was a story that had universal appeal for both the Cape
Verdean and the American audience.
A successful theatric release would increase the public
awareness of Cape Verde, Cape Verdean literature, and expand the educational
opportunities to talk about the history, language, culture and communities in
America and the Diaspora.
Since the theatric debut in the USA in l998, Testamento has gone
coast to coast, from Boston to New York to LA, and points in-between, with
consistently good reviews. It has been a market-by-market "grassroots"
distribution process. Testamento has been running theatrically in Canada since
2000. It is currently running on HBO/Cinemax and Australian television.
We look forward to continued theatric and festival bookings in
the USA for Testamento. As always, if you have an interest in bringing it to
your town, or a theater near you, please contact us. Every effort will be made
to continue to bring Testamento, and other films distributed by SPIA, to the
public.
