Guimarães, known as the "birthplace of Portugal" because it was where the Kingdom of Portugal was founded in 1143 and is the birthplace of its first king, Afonso I. Its old town, where many historical buildings still stand, is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as the "Guimarães Historic Centre." Furthermore, following its designation as a European Capital of Culture, a concept proposed by the EU, various commemorative events were held. Among them, "Where the Beginning Begins ~Guimarães Historic Centre~" was produced as a major project.

Gathered for this omnibus film are four masters from the European film scene, renowned worldwide. Aki Kaurismäki, originally from Finland in Northern Europe but residing in Portugal for over 20 years; Víctor Erice from neighboring Spain. And representing Portugal itself are Pedro Costa and, remarkably, Manoel de Oliveira, who has reached the age of 104. Through their hands, four original works, each with a completely different style and tone, have been created.

Aki Kaurismäki directed "The Bartender," a story about a man working in a bar in the historic district. It depicts a lonely man's day with a quiet, unadorned narrative, culminating in a poignant comedy.

Meanwhile, Pedro Costa, at the forefront of contemporary cinema, produced "Sweet Exorcist," an unconventional dialogue piece where Ventura, an African immigrant, converses with the ghost of a soldier who may have participated in the 1974 Carnation Revolution. Though the project originated in Guimarães, based on the motivation of "how not to film in Guimarães," it became a unique work, unfolding almost entirely within an elevator.

"The Broken Glass," a new documentary by Víctor Erice, known for "The Quince Tree Sun," visits the site of what was once the second-largest textile factory in Europe in the early 20th century, which closed in 2002 and is now known as the "Broken Glass Factory."

And the director Manoel de Oliveira, at 104 years old, the oldest active filmmaker, concludes the series with "The Conquerors, the Conquered," introducing episodes of Afonso I, the origin of Guimarães. However, with his characteristic humor, he eschews a stuffy historical narrative, presenting an exhilarating short film centered around a statue of Afonso I.

After its world premiere at the Rome Film Festival last year, this film was screened as a special invitation at the 13th Tokyo FILMeX, captivating the large audience of fans. The four directors fully express their individuality, impressing viewers with their distinctive works. The four historical tales of Guimarães, captured from each director's perspective, are sure to offer intellectual discovery and the joy of watching cinema.

'Where the Beginning Begins ~Guimarães Historic Centre~'

Opening September 14 (Saturday) at Theatre Image Forum and other venues nationwide.
Director/Screenplay | "The Bartender" Aki Kaurismäki / "Sweet Exorcist" Pedro Costa / "The Broken Glass" Víctor Erice / "The Conquerors, the Conquered" Manoel de Oliveira
2012 / Portugal / 96 min
http://www.guimaraes-movie.jp/