Viana - The Legend of Golden Hearts

"Viana – The Legend of Golden Hearts" is the title of a Portuguese 3D animated film, which premiered in October 2025 at the Sá de Miranda Municipal Theatre in Viana do Castelo.

The film's creators were inspired by the legend of the northern Portuguese city of Viana do Castelo.

The legend says that a young boatman, transporting goods along the Lima River, fell in love with a cheerful girl named Ana, who lived in a castle above the river. Every time the young man loaded and unloaded his boat, his eyes never left Ana. Knowing of his love, all the villagers would ask the young boatman whenever they met if he had seen his beautiful wife that day. The young man would reply, "Yes, I saw Ana from the castle," which in Portuguese sounds like "Sim, Vi a Ana do Castelo." This repeated phrase eventually gave the city its name: Viana do Castelo.

From this legend, the famous "Hearts of Viana" jewelry, a symbol of Portuguese culture and history, was born, thanks to the art of filigree.

The film "Viana: The Legend of the Golden Hearts" is about love. It combines adventure, comedy, romance, and music.

Set in northern medieval Portugal, the film tells the love story of a beautiful woman named Ana, the governor's daughter, and a poor artisan named Thomas, who makes Portuguese guitars.

The girl's father Dom Florentin wants to marry his daughter off to a rich and noble suitor. Among the suitors is the powerful and evil Duke of Aragon, who threatens the city and attempts to ruin the love story of Thomas and Ana. But the young couple refuses to give in.

At his father's insistence, the groom must present a jewel as proof of his wealth and nobility.

With the help of their faithful companions, the generosity of the town's women, and the talent of a mysterious jeweler who creates a jewel of exceptional beauty, Ana and Thomas happily overcome all the challenges on the path to love.

The film is directed by Rodrigo Carvalho.

The screenplay is by Rodrigo Carvalho, João Ramos and Henrique Silva.

The film features an international cast.
In the English version, Thomas is voiced by British actor Luke Newton, known for his work on the Netflix series "Bridgerton," and in the Portuguese version, by singer Diogo Piçarra.
Princess Ana is voiced by Daniela Melchior.

The animated film, produced by Watermelon, has a budget of €10 million and is being financed by the Tourism and Cinema Support Fund and the Portuguese Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (ICA).

The film will be completed in March 2026, and its premiere is expected this summer, also at the Sá de Miranda cinema in Viana do Castelo, but the exact date has not yet been determined.