The Massacre of Gilles de Rais (2026)

The Massacre of Gilles de Rais is a Portuguese historical drama film directed by Juan Branco, which had its global premiere at the 9th Pingyao International Film Festival's Tiger unit on September 27, 2025. The narrative centers on an isolated young couple in 2025 who, five centuries after the execution of Gilles de Rais, become obsessed with re-examining the medieval trials that convicted him. As they attempt to reconstruct the trial scenes, the boundaries between past and present begin to blur, leading the protagonists to question whether the historical figure, widely considered the inspiration for the Blue Beard legend, was truly guilty.

Starring João Arrais, Inês Pires Tavares, and director Juan Branco himself, the film explores themes of historical truth, justice, and the psychological impact of revisiting dark history. During a press conference on September 28, 2025, Branco shared his reflections on the project, highlighting the eerie resonance between the medieval events and contemporary perspectives on guilt and innocence.

• The film received a nomination for the Roberto Rossellini Honorary Best Film award at the Pingyao International Film Festival.
• It serves as a modern reinterpretation of the life of Gilles de Rais, a French nobleman and marshal of France accused of heinous crimes.
• The production features a unique meta-narrative approach, with the director playing a central role alongside the lead actors.
• The story utilizes a dual-timeline structure that dissolves into one another to emphasize the lingering nature of historical trauma.