Pioneering Portuguese animation film donated to Cinemateca

A rare and pioneering film in Portuguese animation, "A Lenda de Miragaia," has been gifted to the Cinemateca Portuguesa, the national film archive. The discovery of the film's negative at the Feira da Ladra, a well-known flea market in Lisbon, represents a significant find for the preservation of the country's cinematic heritage.

Created in 1931, "A Lenda de Miragaia" is recognized as one of the earliest examples of silhouette animation in Portugal. The film was directed by Raúl Faria da Fonseca and António Cunhal, the latter being the brother of the prominent political figure Álvaro Cunhal. Its unique animation technique and historical context make it a valuable piece of early Portuguese cinema.

The donation ensures that this historically important work will be preserved and made accessible for future study and appreciation. The Cinemateca Portuguesa plays a vital role in safeguarding and promoting national film culture, and this acquisition further enriches its collection of significant Portuguese cinematic achievements.