If you were here 20 minutes ago you would have witnessed something of unparalelled idiocy: me with a grin so wide across my face I looked like I’d just had lunch with Keanu Reeves. The reason? A trailer for the TIFF selected Mysteries of Lisbon.

Here’s the scoop on the project. It’s based on a book by Camilo Castelo Branco, a master Portuguese writer. It’s a melodrama set in 19th Century Europe which focuses on a huge cast of players all somewhat linked to Pedro da Silva, an orphan in a boarding school. It’s a captivating story, one that has been enthralling readers since it was first published as a novella in newspapers in 1854.

The production is top notch including some of Portugal’s most talented individuals both behind and in front of the camera. I can’t say for sure but this looks like one of the largest projects ever produced in Portugal as it is both a feature film and a six episode miniseries and from my understanding, the film is not a shorter cut of the series but rather a stand alone beast which was produced at the same time.

Excited? I sure am. The series premieres on Portuguese television on October 21st and in France on October 20th. The folks at TIFF will get to see the film before anyone else.

Trailer, in Portuguese but with gorgeous visuals, tucked under the seat. More pretty pictures at the official website.