Portugal’s “Told by Women” Anthology Expands with Season 2
CUENCA, Spain — The acclaimed anthology series “Told by Women” (“Contado por Mulheres”) from Portugal is set to launch its second season, significantly increasing its scope from 10 to 20 new TV movies crafted by first-time female filmmakers.
Production Team and Development Timeline
Returning to oversee the project are the original producers: public broadcaster RTP and Lisbon-based Ukbar Filmes, known for their work on the Netflix hit “Turn of the Tide.” The new season is currently in development, with production slated to commence in September/October, as stated by Pandora da Cunha Telles, the producer from Ukbar Filmes and a key figure in the first season.
Global Mentorship and Cross-Border Collaboration
This season will feature esteemed international producers, including Gudny Hummelvoll from Norway, Mariela Besuievsky from Spain, and Francesco Virga from Italy. Their mentorship is expected to enhance the initiative’s cross-border relevance while promoting excellence and sustainability across the project.
Success of Season 1
First debuted at the Berlin Film Festival, the inaugural season of “Told by Women” garnered positive reception, exceeding public expectations in viewership on RTP. Noteworthy films from the collection included “Vizinhas,” directed by Sofia Teixeira Gomes, and “Serpentina” by Laura Seixas, both of which received critical acclaim for their unique narratives.
Format and Production Approach
Each film in the upcoming season will maintain a runtime of approximately 45-52 minutes, continued to be classified as TV movies to alleviate pressure on the directors. Productions will be filmed in smaller urban settings outside of Lisbon, with preparatory phases lasting two weeks followed by two weeks of shooting. This season will again utilize the same crews while rotating the Director of Photography, ensuring fresh perspectives in the visual storytelling.
Inclusivity and Gender Balance
Season 2 aims to elevate the collective narrative by featuring “acclaimed women directors” from various creative backgrounds, including cinema, theatre, dance, and advertising. However, none will have directed a feature film prior. Cunha Telles pointed out the project’s goal of addressing gender disparities within Portugal’s filmmaking landscape while creating sustainable opportunities for emerging female talents.
Long-term Impact and Storytelling Vision
This initiative not only aims to provide a supportive environment for female directors but also emphasizes storytelling as a means of exploring diverse Portuguese experiences. Each of the 20 films offers a unique perspective on themes such as identity, contrast, and resilience, enriching the collective narrative with human experiences.
Future Prospects
The project is funded by Portugal’s refund scheme and has potential to transform into a franchise model or an international collection showcasing diverse narratives from ten different countries, as mentioned by Da Cunha Telles. Additionally, the ongoing success of Ukbar Filmes is highlighted by their co-production of the upcoming series “O Misterio do Cinco Estrelas” with Brazil’s Boutique Filmes, further establishing their influence in the global media landscape.
