Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Pere Portabella

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Pere Portabella made an impact.

Pere Portabella i Ràfols is a Spanish politician, director, and producer. Elected as a Senator in Spain's initial democratic elections in 1977, he contributed to drafting the Spanish Constitution. As a filmmaker, he is known for his experimental style, pushing the boundaries of cinematic language, often incorporating poetic elements and social commentary. Portabella is recognized as an iconic figure within Spanish cinema.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1958: First Cinema Contact and Documentary Attempt

In 1958, Pere Portabella made his first contact with cinema and met Leopoldo Pomés to produce a documentary on bullfighting, with Carlos Saura as co-director. However, Portabella was unsatisfied with the results of the documentary because he felt that it had nothing to say or offer.

1959: Establishment of Film 59

In 1959, Pere Portabella established the production company Film 59, which began producing films influenced by Italian neorealism.

1960: Screening of Los Golfos and Meeting Luis Buñuel

In 1960, Pere Portabella's film Los golfos was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, where he met Luis Buñuel. He convinced Buñuel to return to Spain and shoot Viridiana.

1961: Viridiana wins Palme d'Or and Scandal

In 1961, Viridiana, co-produced by Pere Portabella, was presented at the Cannes Film Festival and earned the Palme d'Or. However, the film caused a scandal due to its parody of symbols of the Spanish state religion.

1963: Collaboration on Lejos de los arboles

In 1963, Pere Portabella collaborated on Lejos de los arboles, written and directed by Jacinto Esteva, where he was credited as associate producer.

1965: Writing II Momento Della Verita

In 1965, Pere Portabella wrote II Momento Della Verita of Francesco Rosi.

1968: Development of Radical Cinematic Language and First Short Film

In 1968, after facing censorship, Pere Portabella dedicated himself to developing a radical cinematic language, resulting in his first short film, No contéis con los dedos.

1969: Production of Hydrangea

In 1969, Pere Portabella produced Hydrangea, directed by Aragon Antonio Maenza.

1970: Release of Lejos de los arboles

In 1970, Lejos de los arboles, on which Pere Portabella collaborated, was released.

1976: Documentary on Democratic Transition

In 1976, Pere Portabella made a documentary on the subject of democratic transition entitled Informe sobre algunas questiones of general interes para una proyección pública.

1977: Election as Senator and Drafting of Spanish Constitution

In 1977, Pere Portabella was elected Senator during Spain's first democratic elections and participated in the drafting of the Spanish Constitution.

1977: Elected Senator and Participation in Constitution Writing

In 1977, Pere Portabella was elected Senator in Spain's first democratic elections and participated in the writing of the Spanish Constitution, marking his entry into politics.

1990: Release of Warsaw Bridge

In 1990, Pere Portabella made the fictional feature, Warsaw Bridge, a reflection on the relationship between literature and film, which marked a return to his most radical techniques.