This film, as many on Manoel de Oliveira filmography, was made on a small budget, and it shows.
Nevertheless tells a story based on a investigation that proves Colombo was Portuguese. Under a secret mission (working for Portuguese crown) trying to create a diversion for Spanish.
Whilst Portuguese were making huge profits from the India maritime route (through South Africa), and knowing South America richness (gold, wood, and many other valuable goods), Spanish were sent on a (supposedly) wrong direction.
Bad luck (or not?!?) they found new land. Carabean islands including Cuba. This is what makes it all interesting: this island was named be Colombo wish; why? Because there's a small village in Portuguese Alentejo, named...you guessed: Cuba! And there are also investigations showing this theory has every aspect to be right. Of course, Portuguese XVth century intelligence tried to delete all traces to Colombo genealogy.
And there is no interest (Spanish and Italian) to investigate this theory deeply. That's why Colombo is still and hero claimed by many (Spain, Italy and USA) although the truth is probably a completely different story...
Nevertheless tells a story based on a investigation that proves Colombo was Portuguese. Under a secret mission (working for Portuguese crown) trying to create a diversion for Spanish.
Whilst Portuguese were making huge profits from the India maritime route (through South Africa), and knowing South America richness (gold, wood, and many other valuable goods), Spanish were sent on a (supposedly) wrong direction.
Bad luck (or not?!?) they found new land. Carabean islands including Cuba. This is what makes it all interesting: this island was named be Colombo wish; why? Because there's a small village in Portuguese Alentejo, named...you guessed: Cuba! And there are also investigations showing this theory has every aspect to be right. Of course, Portuguese XVth century intelligence tried to delete all traces to Colombo genealogy.
And there is no interest (Spanish and Italian) to investigate this theory deeply. That's why Colombo is still and hero claimed by many (Spain, Italy and USA) although the truth is probably a completely different story...