![Viana – The Legend of the Golden Hearts [Watermelon Productions]](https://www.animationmagazine.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/POSTER-VIANA-164x240.jpg)
Watermelon Productions’ 3D animated family adventure Viana — The Legend of the Golden Hearts is scheduled to hold its world premiere on November 14 in Viana do Castelo, the historic coastal city in northern Portugal that inspired the project.
The Golden Hearts Takeaway
- The film is billed as the largest film production ever to come out of Portugal, animated or live-action.
- The voice cast features international talent including Daniela Melchior, Luke Newton, Pêpê Rapazote, Michael McElhatton, and Joanna Scanlan.
- It is officially eligible for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category at the 2027 Academy Awards.
A Milestone Production for Portuguese Animation
Marking a major milestone for the nation’s animation industry, the project combines adventure, comedy, and romance, and will be presented in both English and Portuguese. Directed by Rodrigo Carvalho, the film features an original songbook and orchestral score. Rui Lima Miranda produced the feature, with André Picado and Rick Fernandes serving as executive producers.
Director Rodrigo Carvalho noted that the creative team aimed to build a world inspired by the beauty and traditions of Viana do Castelo. Producer Rui Lima Miranda described the project as a tribute to the city and to the enduring idea that love, art and generosity can overcome anything.
Medieval Romance and Craftsmanship in Northern Portugal
Set in medieval northern Portugal, the plot centers on Princess Ana, the daughter of Don Florentin. Ana frequently wanders among the local people and continually postpones her expected marriage. When she meets Thomas, a humble artisan famed across the village for crafting exquisite guitars signed with a heart, a forbidden romance develops.
Don Florentin demands a jewel from any suitor as proof of nobility, favoring the powerful and shadowy Duke of Aragon instead. Refusing to surrender, Ana and Thomas enlist loyal companions, village generosity, and a mysterious fugitive to master the art of jewelry-making and expose the Duke’s sinister designs.
Star-Studded Voice Cast and Creative Collaboration
The English and Portuguese language versions are anchored by a prominent international cast. Daniela Melchior stars as Princess Ana, alongside Luke Newton as Thomas, Pêpê Rapazote as Don Florentin and the General, Michael McElhatton as the Duke of Aragon, and Joanna Scanlan as Ophelia.
The screenplay was written by Rodrigo Carvalho, João Ramos, and Henrique Silva. The creative team also includes art director Gonçalo Jordão, CGI supervisor Igor Lodeiro, production director Ana Fino, and art supervisor Pedro Codeço. Simon Wadsworth composed the original score, which features contributions by Grammy Award-winning Portuguese-American guitarist Nuno Bettencourt.
| Production Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Production Company | Watermelon Productions |
| World Premiere Date | November 14 |
| Premiere Location | Viana do Castelo, Portugal |
| Director | Rodrigo Carvalho |
| Producer | Rui Lima Miranda |
| Key Cast | Daniela Melchior, Luke Newton, Pêpê Rapazote, Michael McElhatton, Joanna Scanlan |
| Award Eligibility | 2027 Academy Awards (Best Animated Feature) |
Following its November debut in northern Portugal, the film is officially eligible for consideration at the 2027 Academy Awards and features regional folklore and a voice ensemble.
