The Given Word
Drawing primarily from our 35mm collection, we are presenting an exquisite spring bouquet of Palme d’or winners to coincide with the can’t-miss Cannes Film Festival.
Winner of the Palme d'or, 1962 Cannes Film Festival
Zé, a poor farmer, vows to Saint Barbara that he will carry a heavy cross from his village to her church in the capital if his sick donkey recovers. His wish is granted, and Zé keeps his word. His ambitious act of piety will spark controversy.
Anselmo Duarte
Anselmo Duarte was a Brazilian actor, screenwriter and film director. His 1962 film The Given Word (O Pagador de Promessas) was awarded the Palme d’or at the Cannes Film Festival, becoming, to date, the only Brazilian feature film to be distinguished this way and the first winner from the Southern Hemisphere. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His 1964 film The Obsessed of Catulé (Vereda da Salvação) was nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Anselmo Duarte was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit in 2008, Brazil's highest cultural civilian honor. In 2008, together with his son, he also founded an organization, Instituto Anselmo Duarte, with the intention of restoring 26 of his films and distributing them, free of charge, in 10,000 Brazilian cultural institutions.
