New Trailers: Dreaming of Lions (2024) by Paolo Marinou-Blanco

Dreaming of Lions (2024)": A Darkly Comic Look at Life, Death, and the Pursuit of a Peaceful End

Description: From Greek-Portuguese director Paolo Marinou-Blanco, "Dreaming of Lions (2024)," originally titled "Sonhar com Leões," is an absurdist tragicomedy that navigates the difficult subject of assisted suicide with dark humor and unexpected warmth. The film centers on a terminally ill woman whose failed attempts to end her life lead her on a journey that involves a dubious organization, a newfound connection, and a final quest for a peaceful death.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15063134/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/470356/

About movie: https://coccinellefilm.com/projects/dreaming-of-lions/

Release Date on Streaming: A specific streaming release date for "Dreaming of Lions (2024)" is not widely available. Its availability on streaming platforms will follow its theatrical releases and will depend on distribution deals in various territories.

Theatrical Release: "Dreaming of Lions (2024)" had its international premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival on December 6, 2024. It was also screened at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2024. The film had a theatrical release in Portugal on May 8, 2025. Information about theatrical releases in other countries will be announced by international distributors.

Detailed Summary: The film follows Gilda, a terminally ill Brazilian immigrant living in Portugal. Facing a painful existence, her greatest desire is for her life to end peacefully and quickly. However, her attempts at suicide prove comically unsuccessful. In her search for a solution, she discovers and joins an underground organization called Joy Transition International, which purports to offer painless methods for assisted suicide. As Gilda attends their unconventional meetings, she forms a bond with another participant, Amadeu. When they uncover that the organization is a scam, Gilda and Amadeu decide to take matters into their own hands, embarking on a journey to Mallorca with the shared goal of finding a way to die on their own terms. Along the way, they develop a deep connection, finding unexpected friendship and even love amidst their difficult circumstances. The film uses its dark comedic tone to explore profound questions about death, the desire for agency in one's final moments, the nature of hope, and the importance of human connection, even in the face of mortality.

Plot Summary:

• Gilda, a terminally ill woman, wishes for a quick and peaceful death.

• Her suicide attempts are unsuccessful.

• She seeks professional help from an organization called Joy Transition International.

• She meets Amadeu at the organization.

• They discover the organization is a scam.

• Gilda and Amadeu escape together to Mallorca to find a way to die.

• They form a deep connection and potentially fall in love during their journey.

The plot is an absurdist and emotionally resonant exploration of mortality, friendship, and the search for agency in death.

Director's Vision: Paolo Marinou-Blanco wrote and directed "Dreaming of Lions," drawing inspiration from his personal experience witnessing his father's protracted illness and the lack of legal options for assisted suicide at the time in Portugal. His vision was to approach this heavy and often taboo subject with dark humor, using laughter as a defense mechanism and a way to resist sadness. Marinou-Blanco intentionally made the protagonist a Brazilian immigrant in Portugal to emphasize a sense of isolation, adding another layer to her struggle. He aims to offer a different perspective on death and the desire for a peaceful end, while also subtly critiquing aspects of the wellness and self-help industry. The film's absurdist tone is a deliberate choice to navigate the difficult emotional terrain and encourage viewers to look at death in a different light.

Themes:

• Death and Dying: The central theme is mortality, the fear of pain, and the desire for a peaceful end to life.

• Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: The film directly addresses these controversial topics, exploring the personal motivations behind seeking such options.

• The Absurdity of Life and Death: The film uses dark humor and absurd situations to highlight the often unpredictable and nonsensical aspects of existence, particularly in the face of death.

• Hope and Despair: The characters grapple with feelings of despair related to their terminal illness while also finding moments of hope through connection and their shared journey.

• Friendship and Love in Unexpected Circumstances: The bond formed between Gilda and Amadeu demonstrates the power of human connection even in the darkest of times.

• Critique of the Wellness Industry: The deceptive nature of the organization in the film serves as a commentary on industries that may exploit vulnerable individuals.

• Isolation and Belonging: Gilda's experience as an immigrant and her terminal illness contribute to a sense of isolation, which is mitigated by her connection with Amadeu and others.

Key Success Factors:

• Bold and Original Approach to a Difficult Subject: The film's use of absurdist tragicomedy to explore euthanasia is unique and thought-provoking.

• Strong Lead Performance: Denise Fraga's portrayal of Gilda has been consistently praised.

• Director's Personal Connection: Marinou-Blanco's personal inspiration lends authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.

• International Co-production: The collaboration between Portugal, Brazil, and Spain contributes to the film's cultural richness and potential reach.

• Festival Selections and Nominations: Premiering at notable international festivals and receiving award nominations indicate critical attention and recognition.

Summary Short: Paolo Marinou-Blanco's "Dreaming of Lions (2024)" is an absurdist tragicomedy about a terminally ill woman whose failed suicide attempts lead her to a deceptive organization and a journey with a new friend/lover in pursuit of a peaceful death.

Awards and Nominations: "Dreaming of Lions (2024)" has received several award nominations:

• The film has garnered 4 award nominations in total, although specific details of all the nominating bodies are not consistently available in the search results.

• It was an official selection at the Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2024, where it had its international premiere.

• It was also selected for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2024.

Critics Reception: "Dreaming of Lions (2024)" has received generally positive critical attention, with reviewers highlighting its unique blend of dark humor and its sensitive handling of the challenging subject matter.

• Red Sea Film Festival Description: Characterizes the film as an "absurdist tragicomedy" that is both funny and profound, exploring euthanasia.

• DMovies: In an interview with Paolo Marinou-Blanco, the interviewer notes that their critic described the film as taking "effective potshots at both the exploitation of people for profit... and the positive-thinking, self-help industry." The director agrees with this assessment.

• Other Mentions: Descriptions from sales agents and festival materials also emphasize the film's surreal and heartwarming aspects, as well as its black humor.

Overall Critics Reception: The critical reception appears to be favorable, with critics appreciating the film's bold artistic choices in tackling a difficult topic with humor and sensitivity. The positive mentions and festival selections indicate that the film has resonated with those who have seen it.

Reviews: Reviews for "Dreaming of Lions" often focus on the film's tonal balance and the strength of its lead performance.

• Key Praises: Reviewers have praised Denise Fraga's portrayal of Gilda as mesmerizing, believable, and deeply human, conveying a range of emotions from exhaustion to groundedness. The film's ability to generate both laughter and tears is seen as a testament to its effective blend of comedy and drama. The sensitive way the film approaches the topic of euthanasia and the desire for a peaceful death has also been highlighted positively. The film's unique perspective and willingness to tackle uncomfortable subjects are appreciated.

• Points of Criticism: Some discussions might revolve around the film's absurdist elements and whether they successfully navigate the gravity of the subject matter for all viewers.

Overall Reviews: The available reviews suggest that "Dreaming of Lions" is a critically interesting film, celebrated for its unique genre blend, strong lead performance, and thoughtful if unconventional, exploration of death and assisted suicide.

Production: "Dreaming of Lions (2024)," or "Sonhar com Leões," is a co-production between Portugal, Brazil, and Spain. The film was directed and written by Paolo Marinou-Blanco, who also served as a producer alongside Justin Amorim, Eduardo Rezende, and Luis Ortas Pau. Production companies involved include Promenade, Darya Films, Capuri, and Cinètica Produccions. The cast is led by Brazilian actress Denise Fraga as Gilda, with a supporting cast including João Nunes Monteiro, Joana Ribeiro, Victoria Guerra, and Roberto Bomtempo. The film was shot in Portuguese and Spanish.

Production Companies:

• Promenade (Portugal)

• Darya Films (Brazil)

• Capuri (Brazil)

• Cinètica Produccions (Spain)

Sales Companies:

• Coccinelle Film Sales (Italy) - Handles international sales for the film.

Distribution Companies:

• The film had a theatrical release in Portugal on May 8, 2025.

• Distribution in other territories will depend on sales agreements made by Coccinelle Film Sales.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Unique and Thought-Provoking Subject Matter: The film tackles the difficult topic of assisted suicide with a rare blend of dark humor and sensitivity.

• Absurdist Tragicomedy Genre: If you appreciate films that blend humor and tragedy to explore complex themes.

• Strong Lead Performance: Denise Fraga's portrayal of Gilda is highly praised.

• Director's Personal Connection: The film is informed by the director's personal experience, adding depth and authenticity.

• Award-Nominated and Festival-Selected: Recognition from international film festivals and award nominations indicate the film's quality.

Why to Watch Movie:

• Interested in Films That Challenge Conventions: Experience a film that approaches a sensitive topic in an unconventional way.

• For Dark Comedies with Substance: If you enjoy humor that is смелый and explores profound human experiences.

• To See Exceptional International Acting: Watch Denise Fraga's acclaimed performance.

• Interested in World Cinema: Discover a co-production from Portugal, Brazil, and Spain.

• For Films That Spark Discussion: The film's subject matter is likely to provoke thought and conversation.

What Movie Trend film is Following: Dark Comedy / Films Exploring Mortality and Existential Themes: The film aligns with the trend of dark comedies that use humor to grapple with serious and often uncomfortable subjects like death and mortality. It also fits within films that explore existential themes and the human desire for control and meaning in the face of difficult circumstances.

What Big Social Trend is Following: Increasing Openness and Discussion Around End-of-Life Choices: The film's focus on assisted suicide reflects a growing global conversation around end-of-life care, individual autonomy, and the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the right to die. It contributes to a broader societal trend of bringing previously taboo subjects into public discourse.

Final Verdict: "Dreaming of Lions (2024)" is a daring and surprisingly moving absurdist tragicomedy from Paolo Marinou-Blanco. By tackling the sensitive subject of assisted suicide with dark humor and a unique artistic vision, the film offers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. Anchored by a widely praised performance from Denise Fraga, the film navigates the complexities of death, hope, and human connection in unexpected ways. Its selection for prominent international film festivals and award nominations underscore its artistic merit and its ability to engage audiences. While its blend of tones may not be for everyone, "Dreaming of Lions" is a courageous and memorable film that encourages a different perspective on life's final chapter and the enduring power of human connection in the face of mortality.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Don't Shy Away from Difficult or Taboo Subjects: The film demonstrates that challenging topics can be explored effectively through creative and unconventional approaches.

• Find the Humor in the Darkest of Situations: Using dark comedy can be a powerful tool for engaging with difficult themes and making them more accessible.

• Draw from Personal Experience to Inform Storytelling: Personal connections to the subject matter can add depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance to a film.

• Trust Your Artistic Vision: Pursuing a unique stylistic approach, even if unconventional, can lead to a distinctive and impactful film.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support and Distribute Films That Take Risks: Encourage and provide platforms for films that explore challenging subjects and utilize unconventional genres and tones.

• Champion International Co-productions: Recognize the value of collaborative filmmaking across countries, which can bring diverse perspectives and broaden a film's potential audience.

• Promote Films That Spark Discussion: Highlight films that engage with important social and ethical issues and encourage dialogue among viewers.

• Recognize and Celebrate Performances in Challenging Roles: Acknowledge actors who deliver powerful portrayals in complex and demanding roles.