João, an actress from Lisbon, stars in a biopic about Liberada, a gender-nonconforming figure persecuted by the Portuguese Inquisition in the 18th century.

The film’s production becomes a battleground as João clashes with the director over how Liberada’s legacy should be portrayed. These tensions deepen as João’s dreams are increasingly haunted by Liberada’s ghost, blurring the lines between past and present. When the director succumbs to a mysterious paralysis, leaving the film unfinished, João is left to navigate the unfolding chaos. She faces unanswerable questions, not only about the film’s future but also about her own connection to Liberada’s spirit and story.

With a post-screening Q&A from film scholar Lu Etienne, this is a one-off special you don't want to miss.

Lu Etienne is an independent film scholar and curator. For over a decade, they have introduced audiences to innovative films in essays, on podcasts, and at cinemas and universities. Recent long-term projects have explored oppositional trans filmmaking and decolonial film curation. Lu’s work is driven by curiosity about the role of visual media in spurring change and building futures.

Event supported by Film Hub London, managed by Film London. Proud to be a partner of the BFI Film Audience Network, funded by the National Lottery. www.filmlondon.org.uk/film-hub-london.