Jury

Born in Lisbon, Rita Blanco is one of Portugal's most successful actresses. She graduated in Theatre from the Escola Superior de Teatro e Cinema in 1985 and began her career performing on stage, where she was directed by names like Luís Miguel Cintra and Eduarda Dionísio, during the 90s. She gained visibility afterwards through her collaboration with comedian Herman José and the television programmes "Médicos de Família", "A minha Sogra é uma Bruxa", and "Conta-me Como Foi", and today she is one of the best known and most loved actors in the country. Rita has worked with some of Portugal's greatest filmmakers - Manoel de Oliveira, João Botelho, Teresa VillaVerde, João César Monteiro and João Canijo - , her collaboration with the latter being probably the longest-lasting and most fruitful. Just this year, "Mal Viver", directed by Canijo and starring Rita Blanco and Anabela Moreira, won the Silver Bear at the 73rd Berlinale.