MYSTERIES OF LISBON
ORIGINAL SIX HOUR MINI-SERIES BY LEGENDARY FILMMAKER RAUL RÚIZ MAKES
U.S. PREMIERE WITH VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENTS FOLLOWED BY STREAMING DEBUT
NYC Virtual Opening Through June 4 at Film at Lincoln Center
Additional Theaters to Follow including Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle
Available to Stream Nationwide in July

Still from Mysteries of Lisbon Episode 1
Ten years after the film release of MYSTERIES OF LISBON, by legendary Chilean-born filmmaker, Raúl Ruiz, Music Box Films is excited to present the original six-hour episodic mini-series version with additional footage never before seen in the U.S. Adapted from the novel by the 19th-century Portuguese author Camilo Castelo Branco, the extended version of MYSTERIES OF LISBON began its two-week virtual engagement at Film at Lincoln Center and available until June 4th. Tickets are available at Film at Lincoln Center.
MYSTERIES OF LISBON covers three decades, four countries and a host of rich characters—all sparked by one man’s search for the truth—and is filled with all manner of adventures and escapades, coincidences and revelations, sentiments and violent passions, and vengeance and romance, set against the backdrop of Portugal’s 1820 revolution.
In 19th Century Lisbon, Portugal, João, an orphan in a boarding school, sets out on a quest to discover the story behind his origins, his parents and his true identity. From this city of intrigue and secrets emerges a collection of characters who are all somehow linked to João’s destiny: Father Dinis, a descendant of the aristocratic libertines who later becomes a hero who defends justice; a countess maddened by her jealousy and obsessed with vengeance; and a prosperous businessman who mysteriously made his fortune as a bloodthirsty pirate. João’s questions are slowly answered—while others are raised—over the course of three decades and a personal voyage that takes him from Portugal to France, Italy, and even Brazil. But as secrets are revealed and João’s life begins to intertwine with those of the people he meets, he slowly learns that the truth for one isn’t always the truth for all.
Following its NYC premiere, Music Box Films will present virtual runs in additional markets via Music Box’s StreamLocal, which was launched in response to COVID-19’s effect on independent art house cinemas around the country. Additional exhibitors include Los Angeles at Laemmle Theater; Chicago at Music Box Theater; Seattle at SIFF; and more upcoming. Tickets are available online for each participating theater.
The episodic period drama will be available nationwide in July via Music Box Direct, which is the streaming service platform of Music Box Films and Doppelgänger Releasing, dedicated to curating a diverse repertoire of films and television series from around the world. The service is available on Amazon Firestick, Apple TV, Roku and Android TV’s as well as online. A monthly subscription fee for Music Box Direct is $4.99 per month.
Currently, NYWIFT members are being offered a free 30-day trial of Music Box Direct (does not include new film releases) using the code: MBDMSPR
Sign up at https://www.musicboxfilms.com/music-box-direct/.
(Featured Image: Still from Mysteries of Lisbon Ep. 1)
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Elizabeth K. Budion
Welcome to NYWIFT, Elizabeth K. Budion! A member of SAG-AFTRA since 2014, Elizabeth got her taste of the film industry by doing background and stand-in work for notable shows such as Orange is the New Black, Broad City, How to Be Single, and The Path. After several years in that space, she dabbled in casting for shows such as Law & Order: SVU, before switching gears to join the Peace Corps in 2018. While living in The Gambia, she focused on elevating the societal status of women, expanding their horizons and potential through education. Elizabeth also built a library and wrote various water grants, while learning the local language of Wolof. Returning to the states in 2020, Elizabeth then received her Master's from New York University, in Global Affairs with a focus on international development and women’s rights. Returning to film, Elizabeth recently wrote, produced, and edited a short animated film titled You. Matter.. starring Tony Award winner Laura Benanti. In addition, Elizabeth is currently collaborating with her filmmaker husband to pen a feature titled RetroViewer. When not working on films, Elizabeth enjoys having new adventures with her adorable 16-month-old son Louis Joseph, or “LouJay!” Read on to learn more about Elizabeth, how she got started in the film industry, and her experience in the Peace Corps!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Catherine Craig
Welcome to NYWIFT, Catherine Craig! Catherine Craig was George Lucas's Industrial Light and Magic's first animation FX camerawoman, later becoming a digital artist at ILM. A highly regarded film archivist, Craig designed the Coppola film archive and implemented Zoetrope's domestic and international film distribution. As an early female entrepreneur, Craig founded her own award-winning, union and guild-affiliated film company, specializing in high-end industrial and commercial productions. Her vast experience spans all aspects of filmmaking: she's worked as a director, producer, camera operator, concept artist, storyboard artist, special FX artist, sound recordist, and more. Her screenplay OddFX was accepted into the NYWIFT-affiliated The Writers Lab. The film follows a mother living in a women's shelter, battling a physically abusive husband and a broken support system, who enlists the help of a special FX film crew. Catherine discusses her groundbreaking work with ILM, her drive to tell her own stories, and her film currently in development, OddFX!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Patricia Hess
Welcome to NYWIFT, Patricia Hess! Patricia Hess is an accomplished DGA UPM and line producer with extensive experience in feature films, TV, and streaming content. She is New York-based professional with both domestic and international credits, including Angels in America, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Philomena, and Raising Arizona, among many others. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Patty divides her time between her family farm in Virginia and New York. During our interview, Patricia shared the remarkable story of her journey in the industry. We often admire the success of individuals who achieve their vision, yet rarely do we see the humble beginnings, the sacrifices made, the moments of doubt and fear, or the times they considered giving up. Patricia’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience, perseverance, and mindset of gratitude and acceptance that often underpin true success.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Christine Stoddard
Welcome to NYWIFT, Christine Stoddard! Christine Stoddard is a filmmaker, TV personality, and video artist named one of Brooklyn Magazine’s Top 50 Most Fascinating People. Her latest film is 5 Ways I Didn’t Marry You, directed by Tom Dunn. A 2025 graduate of Columbia Journalism School and the Columbia Painting Intensive, she creates imaginative films, deeply reported TV programs, and playful videos. Currently, she hosts the TV show Don't Mind If I Don't with Aaron Gold. She also runs the YouTube channel Stoddard Says and terrorizes the Internet with her alter ego Art Bitch. Her feature film, Sirena's Gallery, is streaming on Amazon and Tubi and was featured in The Brooklyn Rail. As founder of Quail Bell Press & Productions, her film and theater projects have been recognized by the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, the Puffin Foundation, the Brooklyn Arts Council, and other organizations. Get to know Christine, her roots in the film industry, and her experiences as a TV host!
READ MORE
Comments are closed