Alma Viva (2022)
A tender and haunting Portuguese drama about childhood grief, folk witchcraft, and the spirits that refuse to leave us.
Alma Viva - Movie Information
- Original Title: Alma Viva
- Release Year: 2022
- Directed by: Cristèle Alves Meira
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: French, Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 3, 2022 (Portugal - M/14), April 12, 2023 (France), June 9, 2023 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: 活着的灵魂 (CN), 巫巫阿嬤不要走 (TW), Bruxa (PT)
- Production Companies: Entre Chien et Loup, Fluxus Films, Midas Filmes, Tandem, Belga Films, Kinology, Belga Productions
- Production Countries: Belgium, France, Portugal
Alma Viva - Plot
Like every summer, little Salomé returns to her family village nestled in the Portuguese mountains for the holidays. As the vacations begin in a carefree atmosphere, her beloved grandmother suddenly dies. While the adults are tearing each other apart over the funeral, Salomé is haunted by the spirit of the one who was considered a witch.
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Alma Viva - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Cristèle Alves Meira
Main Cast
- Lua Michel
- Ana Padrão
- Jacqueline Corado
- Ester Cataläo
- Duarte Pina
- Arthur Brigas
- Catherine Salée
- Pedro Lacerda
- Nuno Gil
- Sónia Martins
Writers
- Laurent Lunetta
- Cristèle Alves Meira
Producers
- Gaëlle Mareschi
- Pedro Borges
Alma Viva - FAQs
What is Alma Viva about?
Alma Viva follows young Salomé, who travels to her family's Portuguese mountain village for the summer holidays. When her beloved grandmother — regarded locally as a witch — suddenly dies, Salomé begins to be haunted by her spirit while the adults around her quarrel bitterly over the funeral arrangements.
Where can you watch Alma Viva online?
Alma Viva is available to stream in the United States. You can check current streaming platforms, rental, and purchase options for your region by visiting JustWatch, which lists all available viewing options in one place.
Is Alma Viva based on a true story?
Alma Viva is not based on a specific true story, but director Cristèle Alves Meira drew heavily from her own Portuguese heritage and personal memories. The film reflects authentic cultural traditions, folk beliefs, and family dynamics rooted in rural Portuguese mountain communities, giving it a deeply autobiographical texture.
Who directed Alma Viva?
Alma Viva was directed by Cristèle Alves Meira, a Franco-Portuguese filmmaker. The film marks her feature directorial debut and draws on her own cultural background and family memories to craft an intimate portrait of grief, folklore, and childhood in rural Portugal.
Who are the main actors in Alma Viva?
The film stars Lua Michel as young Salomé, Ana Padrão as Fatima, Jacqueline Corado as Aida, and Ester Cataläo as the grandmother. The supporting cast includes Duarte Pina, Arthur Brigas, Catherine Salée, Pedro Lacerda, Nuno Gil, and Sónia Martins.
What does the grandmother's witch role mean in Alma Viva?
The grandmother's reputation as a witch in Alma Viva represents the intersection of folk spirituality and rural Portuguese tradition. Her role as a healer and spiritual figure gives her death a supernatural dimension, allowing the film to explore how grief, memory, and ancestral belief systems shape a child's understanding of loss and identity.
When was Alma Viva released?
Alma Viva was first released in Portugal on November 3, 2022, with a rating of M/14. It subsequently opened in France on April 12, 2023, and in Spain on June 9, 2023.
How long is Alma Viva?
Alma Viva has a runtime of 84 minutes, or 1 hour and 24 minutes. Its compact length suits the film's intimate, focused storytelling, keeping the narrative tightly centered on young Salomé's emotional journey through grief and supernatural encounter.
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