Advanced search

Tasha de Vasconcelos was born in Beira, Mozambique, with Portuguese ancestry on her father's side and British on her mother's side. Her old European background is very evident in her multilingual diversity and her capacity to interact with different cultures. Due to social unrest in Africa her family moved to Canada, where Tasha went on to study international relations at the University of British Columbia. In 1998 Tasha graduated in International Strategy at the Centre for Diplomatic and Strategic Studies in Paris.

Tasha's modelling career began when she was spotted in Canada. A highly successful career as an international model was established with New York photographer Steven Meisel shooting Tasha for her first Vogue cover. Her acting debut was with a part in French movie Riches, belles, etc. (1998) with 'Claudia Cardinale', Marisa Berenson and 'Anouk Aimee'. Tasha studied acting at the Cours Florent and the Central School of Speech and Drama. She went on to play the sexually liberated minx Lauren in the leading female role opposite 'Paul Kaye' in the BBC comedy series Perfect World (2000).

Then followed the remake of Murder on the Orient Express (2001) for CBS with Tasha playing a Russian jewel thief opposite Alfred Molina. Her next UK appearances were in Largo Winch (2001) as a feisty independent writer and love interest of Paolo Seganti and in Relic Hunter (1999) playing the part of a warrior princess. Both launched in the US, with Largo Winch also distributed in Europe.

In 2002 Tasha filmed the independent feature film Dot the I (2003) acting alongside 'Gael Garcia Bernal' which was well received at Sundance Film Festival 2003. Tasha performed alongside Judi Dench and Gillian Anderson at "An Enchanted Evening" at London's Theatre Royal, a gala performance of the music of Richard Rodgers in aid of the Neurofibromatosis Association.

April 2003 saw Tasha's first major feature film release in the spoof Bond movie Johnny English (2003) directed by 'Peter Howitt' and starring Rowan Atkinson, Natalie Imbruglia and John Malkovich. Tasha plays the manipulative villainess Contessa Alexandra in the film's opening scene opposite Rowan Atkinson, Tasha takes on the femme fatale mantle of actresses such as Sophie Marceau and 'Grace Jones' in the original Bond films. Among her sporting skills, Tasha is an outstanding horsewoman and pentathlon competitor.

Tasha's other great passion is helping underprivileged children, supporting charities such as the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Association for Drug-addicted Children in Portugal. She is a goodwill representative for UNICEF to Bolivia for malnourished children and to Algeria for war-ravaged children. Tasha is also the goodwill ambassador appointed by Bolivia's first lady for the "Children of Pailaviri" project.

Ruy Guerra left his studies in Portugal for to go to the School of Cinema in Paris. After having worked as assistant for various French directors he moved to Brasil and participated with his first two films in the birth of the "Cinema Novo": "Os Cafajestes (1962)" and "Os Fuzis (1964)" which won some international prizes. After an intermediate time in France where he made "Sweet Hunters (1969)" he returned to Brazil and went on filming there.

Al Bowlly was born on 7 January 1899 in Delagoa Bay, Portuguese East Africa [now Maputo Bay, Mozambique]. He was an actor, known for Ready Player One (2018), The Jacket (2005) and The Outsider (2018). He was married to Margaret Fairless and Freda Roberts. He died on 17 April 1941 in London, England, UK.

José Castelo Branco was born on 8 December 1962 in Tete, Mozambique, Portugal [now Mozambique]. He is an actor, known for Al Fachada (2013), Trio Maravilha (2006) and 1 Block (2020). He has been married to Lady Betty Grafstein since 26 November 1996. He was previously married to Maria Arlene.

Carlos De Carvalho was born on 20 April 1968 in Lorenzo Marques, Mozambique. He is a cinematographer and assistant director, known for Black Widow (2021), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and John Carter (2012). He has been married to Chantelle since 28 August 1991. They have two children.

Marco D'Almeida was born on 27 April 1975 in Mozambique. He is an actor and director, known for Ele é Ela (2009), Night Train to Lisbon (2013) and A Espia (2020).

Maria Rueff was born on 1 June 1972 in Beira, Mozambique, Portugal [now Mozambique]. She is an actress and writer, known for O Amor É Lindo... Porque Sim! (2016), HermanSIC (2000) and Estado de Graça (2011).

Carla Andrino was born on 7 August 1966 in Lourenço Marques, Mozambique, Portugal [now Mozambique]. She is an actress, known for Ministério do Tempo (2017), Doce Tentação (2012) and Curral de Moinas - Os Banqueiros do Povo (2022). She has been married to Mário Rui since 1986. They have two children.

Eusébio DA Silva Ferreira (January 1942 - 5 January 2014) was a Portuguese footballer who played as a striker. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time and S.L. Benfica's greatest ever player. During his professional career, he scored 733 goals in 745 matches. Nicknamed the Black Panther, the Black Pearl, or o Rei (the King), he was known for his speed, technique, athleticism and his ferocious right-footed shot, making him a prolific goalscorer.

Alberto Magassela was born in 1966 in Maputo, Mozambique. He is an actor, known for A Única Mulher (2015), O Fura-Vidas (1999) and O Último Voo do Flamingo (2010).

Natália Luiza was born on 24 May 1960 in Mozambique. She is an actress, known for O Luto de Electra (1992), A Febre do Ouro Negro (2001) and O Crime do Padre Amaro (2023).

Mariza was born on 16 December 1973 in Mozambique. She is an actress, known for Orphan Black (2013), Mulheres (2014) and Alguém Como Eu (2017). She was previously married to João Pedro Ruela.

António Feio was born on 6 December 1954 in Lourenço Marques, Mozambique [now Maputo]. He was an actor and writer, known for Arte (1999), Os Bonecos da Bola (1993) and Verão Quente (1993). He was married to Lurdes Feio. He died on 29 July 2010 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Rui Vilhena was born in 1961 in Mozambique. He is a writer and actor, known for Sweet Torment, Equador (2008) and Olhos nos Olhos (2008). He is married to Denise Ferrandini. They have one child.

Carla Bolito was born in 1973 in Mozambique. She is an actress and cinematographer, known for Haircut (1995), Dentro (2016) and Almeida Garrett (2000).

Ana Maria Grova was born in Mozambique. She is known for Isaura: Slave Girl (1976) and O Casarão (1976).

Cinha Jardim was born on 22 December 1956 in Beira, Mozambique. She is an actress, known for Toda a Gente Me Diz Isso (2013), Canta por Mim (2006) and Caia Quem Caia (2008).

Cristina Câmara was born in December 1967 in Mozambique. She is an actress, known for Inferno (1999), Portugal S.A. (2004) and Quarta Divisão (2013).

Malu Braga was born on 23 December 1951 in Lourenço Marques, Mozambique. She is an actress, known for Paixão de Sertanejo (1979), Casais Proibidos (1981) and As Meninas de Madame Laura (1981).

Rui Gomes was born on 1 April 1939 in Beira, Mozambique. He was an actor and director, known for Sou Louca por Você (1970). He died on 21 July 2001 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Artur Albarran was born on 16 January 1953 in Mozambique. He was an actor and writer, known for A Bomba (2002), Europe, a Modern Profile (1992) and Repórteres (1992). He was married to Isabella Jimenez, Teresa Maria Pereira Lima and Lisa Hardy. He died on 15 February 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Graça Machel was born on 17 October 1945 in Gaza, Mozambique. She was previously married to Nelson Mandela and Samora Machel.

Sabri Lucas was born on 2 March 1980 in Mozambique. He is an actor, known for Quarta Divisão (2013), So So (2012) and Vila Faia (2008).

Diana Almeida was born on 20 March 1983 in Maputo, Mozambique. She is a producer, known for Music for Bleeding Hearts (2019), The Way He Looks (2014) and Perfect Endings (2024).

Recognized across Europe for his award winning music videos, Miguel was recruited by major international brands, such as Mc Donald's and Coca-Cola, to innovate their product commercials. In 2010 Miguel delved into the world of documentaries with "Desire for Beauty", on the issues of beauty and self-perception. The film starred Agata Kulesza, and leaded the "most seen documentaries" charts, once it was released in the main VOD channels, namely Hulu and Amazon Prime. Recent ones include "Down, But Not Out!" about four amateur female boxers and "No Excuses" about the culture of CrossFit. Both documentaries look at sports through a feminist lens.