Two Times João Liberada
Time and identity blur in this dreamily hazy visual narrative that delivers sharp commentary on the responsibility and power of those who write (queer) history.
In 18th century Portugal, João Liberada, living as a woman but claimed to be a man, is persecuted by the Inquisition. Fast forward to present day, Liberada’s namesake João plays the leading role in a movie about their life, and tries desperately to bring agency to a person portrayed as a victim. As the film director suddenly falls into a strange stupor while shooting the film, João gets a chance to rewrite the story.
Director Paula Tomás Marques’ first feature Two Times João Liberada premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in the Perspectives section, dedicated to directorial debuts. A dreamlike visual narrative is combined with sharp commentary on the responsibility and power structure held by writers and illustrators of history.
João the actor tries to find gaps in Liberada’s story in the Inquisition court documents – gaps that could be filled with a sense of community and empowerment. The director is, however, more concerned with portraying Liberada as a martyr of their narrow-minded time.
But whose viewpoint is the right one? How do you interpret queer history, when the objects defined by the outside world wouldn’t necessarily recognise themselves in the present constructs? In the end, Liberada has to intervene.
Adrian Murtomäki (translated by Charlotte Elo)
Trailer
