5 films about April 25: the arts at the service of history

This year marks the 51st anniversary of April 25. So how about taking a look at a selection of national and international films about the 'Carnation Revolution'?

Carolina Bessa • April 23, 2025

There are several films that recall the history of April 25 — Editorial credit: Goncalo_Castelo_Soares / Shutterstock.com

This year marks the 51st anniversary of April 25, 1974, a symbolic milestone that will be remembered from North to South. The Carnation Revolution was literally made to the rhythm of music. After all, “E Depois do Adeus”, by Paulo de Carvalho, was the password that echoed on the radio.

With this landmark moment, the Estado Novo regime, which had been in charge of the country’s destiny for over 40 years, came to an end. However, the end of the dictatorship was not violent… and instead of thousands of stray bullets, the ‘Carnation Revolution’ also became known for the peaceful way in which it took place.

In this context, in addition to the Portuguese, many foreign filmmakers and journalists were in the country and recorded the moment. As with most historical moments, this one was also immortalized in the cinema.

Here’s a list of some Portuguese and international films about April 25 to remind us of the day we now call “Freedom Day”.