WHY FUND THIS PROJECT?

António de Andrade's mission to the court of the Grand Mogul in 1624 is one of the most extraordinary - and forgotten - episodes of the Portuguese presence in Asia. THE AMBASSADOR OF GRÃO-MOGOL rescues an epic narrative of diplomacy, faith and imperial ambition that reveals a little-known facet of Portugal's history and its relationship with one of the most powerful empires of the 17th century.

This is not just a Portuguese story: it is a window on the encounter between civilisations, on the commercial and religious networks that linked Europe to India, and on the complex negotiations between the Mughal imperial power and the European powers. The project has the potential to:

• International co-productions with an interest in India, colonial history and Asian trade routes
• Historical film festivals and prestigious platforms
• Cultural tourism promoting Goa and Portuguese historical sites in Asia

The story offers all the ingredients of a great film or series:

• Charismatic characters - António de Andrade, the visionary Jesuit priest; Manuel Marques, his brother in trade; Hindu pilgrims; intrigues at the Mogul court
• Stunning scenery - from Goa to the Himalayan mountains, passing through the splendour of the Tibetan empire and the Indian courts
• Dramatic tension - religious conflicts, political betrayals, wars between kingdoms, a secret mission shrouded in mystery
• Historical reversals - the deposition of kingdoms, invasions and the enigmatic disappearance of Andrade

Financing this project is:

• Preserving memory - give visibility to a crucial chapter of the Portuguese presence in Asia
• Dignifying heritage - enhancing Goa as a historical centre for cultural encounters
• Promoting intercultural dialogue - show how the Portuguese, Indians and Tibetans interacted in contexts of power and faith
• Inspiring new generations - revealing Portuguese historical figures who led adventures on a global scale

This is a visual, epic and universal story that appeals both to Portuguese audiences who are unfamiliar with this episode and to international audiences interested in historical narratives of encounters between civilisations. It is cinema that educates, moves and projects Portugal onto the world cultural stage.

ESTIMATED BUDGET

2 550 000€

Co-production potential with Spain, USA, India and Italy.