Lisbon film breaks Portuguese opening day attendance record

The film ‘Santo António – O Casamenteiro de Lisboa’, directed by Ruben Alves, has set a record as the Portuguese film with the highest cinema attendance on its opening day following its September 10 release.

Set against the backdrop of Lisbon’s traditional Saint Anthony’s weddings, the story follows organizers Carmo (Rita Blanco) and Valentim (Joaquim Monchique). The pair must fight to save the tradition and their jobs as the city council considers selling the rights to the event to the French company Stardust for international promotion.

To prove the event's continued success despite reduced financial support, the organizers assemble an unconventional group of wedding candidates—including gay couples, prisoners, and elderly individuals—who challenge the traditional image of the ceremony while reflecting a changing Lisbon.