The President of the Republic addressed a message of congratulations to cinema directors João Salaviza and Miguel Gomes who were awarded prizes in the Berlin Film Festival.

Following is the text of the message of congratulations addressed by President Aníbal Cavaco Silva:

“Upon being advised that the film “Rafa”, by João Salaviza, won the short film competition in the Berlin Film Festival, and that the film “Tabu”, by Miguel Gomes, won the Alfred Bauer and Fipresci prizes in the same Festival, I hasten to congratulate both directors, on behalf of all the Portuguese and in my own name.

These distinctions in the so relevant Berlin Festival are once again the proof of the vitality of Portuguese cinema and of the growing worldwide interest in the work of our film directors.

As such, please accept my sincere congratulations and my wishes that you continue your work that so highly dignifies Portuguese culture.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”