Black Gaze Cinema in Portugal: a transnational counterpublic against erasure

Abstract

This article critically analyses the development of Black Cinema in Portugal in the 21st century. I argue that this cinema evolves alongside a transnational counterpublic sphere and constitutes a particular cinematic genre that contributes to alleviating the cultural and epistemic erasure to which Black communities and their history have been subjected in Portugal. I characterise Black Cinema in Portugal, considering the predominant themes and common characteristics in the films produced in this context and reflecting on the challenges faced and the strategies to overcome difficulties. The present work constitutes an initial attempt to understand the phenomenon of Black Cinema in Portugal. Thus, this reflection is also part of the same effort against erasure.