Documentary “Amato Lusitano: Science and Humanism”

On 14 April at 3.00 pm, the Cine-Teatro Avenida will screen the documentary Amato Lusitano: Science and Humanism at a free screening dedicated to the life and work of João Rodrigues (1511–1568) of Castelo Branco.

After studying at the University of Salamanca, Amato Lusitano returned to Portugal, where he began practising medicine, but his status as a Sephardic Jew soon forced him into exile.

The humanist and scientist then travelled through a Europe marked by scientific discoveries, cultural effervescence and religious persecution. In Antwerp, Ferrara, Ancona, Pesaro and Thessaloniki, he practised medicine, taught and wrote, profoundly influencing his contemporaries.

Based on interviews, the 2025 audiovisual work draws on images of historical sites, manuscripts and printed works of the period, highlighting the Renaissance physician’s journey and the innovative ideas he championed by emphasising his method based on empirical observation and the ethical ‘oath’, a symbol of equality and respect for human dignity.

Produced as part of the activities of TECHN&ART – Centre for Technology, Restoration and Promotion of the Arts – a research unit of the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar, of which the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB) is a part – the documentary was directed by Carlos Reis, Isabel Marcos and Neel Naik, joined by Ana Sofia Marcelo and Fátima Regina Jorge in the coordination, all of whom are lecturers at the School of Applied Arts and the School of Education at the IPCB.

📍Location: Cine-Teatro Avenida
📅 Date: 14 April 2026
🕝 Time: 3 pm