Marfilmes is a Lisbon-based international sales agent and distributor with a mission deeply rooted in the internationalisation of Portuguese cinema — whether produced in or co-produced with Portugal.
The history of Marfilmes includes the distribution of over 100 films, and the company continues to acquire titles for sales and internationalisation, aiming to position itself unequivocally among sales agents with a uniquely diverse catalogue. Marfilmes’ latest acquisitions feature some of the most acclaimed recent Portuguese cinema, ranging from emerging filmmakers to established names in the cinematic and audiovisual landscapes, alongside key European award-winning titles.
Each year, Marfilmes is represented at the world’s most prominent international film festivals, including Cannes, Venice, San Sebastian, Rotterdam, and Berlin, as well as at audiovisual markets such as Series Mania, Iberseries, Rio Content, Film Festival MIPCOM, MIPTV, Sunny Side of the Doc, IDFA, and MERCADOC. Its close collaboration with major streaming platforms has ensured the distribution of its films on Movistar Plus, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, and Filmin.
In distribution, Marfilmes has stood out for its decentralised approach, working closely with various national venues and alternative circuits. Recently, the film Sobretudo de Noite was screened simultaneously in 19 municipalities of the Douro region, while the project Contado por Mulheres, featuring 10 telefilms by Portuguese female directors, premiered in 10 municipalities in central Portugal. These initiatives have engaged not only adult audiences but also schools and universities in these regions.
Circulating powerful stories is Marfilmes’ ultimate goal—whether it’s the life of Malangatana or the future of Artificial Intelligence. The recent sale of nine Marfilmes titles to China affirms the success of this approach.
A CATALOGUE OF MAGICAL YET HIDDEN WORKS
Marfilmes’ unique identity began in the 1970s with Renée Gagnon, its founder and still Senior Advisor, who compiled a catalogue of Portuguese and African films and documentaries in Portuguese, focusing on Lusophone Africa.
Believing this cinema deserved to be known beyond its countries of origin, Renée set out to showcase the richness of a largely hidden film tradition. Her journey began at Animatógrafo Distribuição de Filmes, where she worked for two decades, continuing in 2001 with the creation of Uniportugal, which eventually evolved into Marfilmes as it is known today.
Through Marfilmes, several African masterpieces were restored from their original negatives—unseen for over 30 years—and are now preserved in Europe’s most important film archives. Marfilmes has also brought African cinema to global attention, highlighting the cultural and historical wealth of a continent’s cinematic heritage.
In 2007, Marfilmes began collaborating with Mnet, South Africa’s leading private television network, becoming a key buyer for the African Film Library and acquiring hundreds of African films over the years.
PORTUGUESE CINEMA GOES INTERNATIONAL
Marfilmes spearheaded the first efforts to internationalise Portuguese cinema, distributing films that had gained recognition at prestigious festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Toronto but had not achieved wider circulation. Examples include O Sangue by Pedro Costa, winner of the Special Mention of the Critics at the Rotterdam Film Festival in 1990, and Manhã Submersa, which screened at the 31st Berlin International Film Festival.
The company’s groundbreaking efforts led it to represent many RTP titles worldwide for years, in addition to working with several independent producers from Portugal, Brazil, Latin America, and Portuguese-speaking African countries.
INTRODUCING NEW CINEMAS AND CULTURES TO PORTUGAL
Marfilmes’ innovative spirit also extends to introducing emblematic films from lesser-known genres and cultures to Portuguese audiences. This includes concert-films, significant works of Chinese cinema, and some of the first LGBT films ever shown in Portugal.
