Portugal - Kinosuite International

Article written by Fábio Luís (Portugal)

In the grand tapestry of cinema, there exists a genre beloved for its charm, grit, and often unapologetic absurdity: the B-movie. Films typically characterized by low budgets, campy special effects, and non-mainstream appeal, occupy a special place in the hearts of cinephiles worldwide. The Old Man and the Demon Sword, is my contribution to this rich cultural niche!

It’s not your typical sword-and-sorcery epic, but that’s precisely the point. This film leans into its limitations, crafting a world that is as imaginative as it is imperfect. There’s a sense of sincerity behind the over-the-top performances, making it easy to root for this aging warrior on his unlikely quest and also a reminder that movies can be escapism in its purest form.

The Role of B-Movies in the Global Film Industry

B-movies, like The Old Man and the Demon Sword, have carved out a niche that holds an important position in the broader global film industry. While these films are not aiming for Oscar recognition or box office records, they hold an irreplaceable role as a breeding ground for innovation, experimentation, and genuine passion.

The accessibility of filmmaking technology today means that B-movies are no longer restricted to studios or professional production teams. Independent filmmakers can now contribute to the genre with a camera, some props, and a few dedicated friends. This democratization of the medium has only enriched the B-movie tradition, creating an endless variety of weird and wonderful films for niche audiences to discover and adore!

The Personal Appeal of B-Movies: Why I Want to Make Them

For me, B-movies are more than just a guilty pleasure—they’re a source of endless inspiration and joy. Some mainstream films often feel formulaic and constrained by market demands, B-movies embrace their own eccentricity. They aren’t afraid to be imperfect, and that imperfection is where their true beauty lies!

Growing up, I was captivated by films that transported me to strange, far-off worlds, even when the special effects were laughable by today’s standards (like Kamen Rider or Doctor Who) I didn’t need perfect CGI or world-class acting—I needed heart. That’s what The Old Man and the Demon Sword tries to deliver. There’s an authenticity to B-movies that comes from filmmakers working within their means, often with great passion but limited resources. It’s filmmaking at its rawest, where the ideas, however wild or absurd, are what shine through the most.

The freedom to experiment, to take risks, and to lean into the quirks that define the B-movie genre is incredibly appealing to me. There’s something rebellious about it—creating art for the sake of passion rather than perfection.

Conclusion

The Old Man and the Demon Sword stands as a proud example of B-movie culture—a film that refuses to take itself too seriously but invites viewers into a world of action, adventure, and demon-fighting antics. In a sea of polished blockbusters, B-movies hold onto the essence of filmmaking—imagination, passion, and a desire to entertain.

For me, making B-movies is a chance to contribute to a legacy of filmmaking that embraces creativity over perfection, and heart over spectacle. In a world increasingly defined by massive budgets and high expectations, the B-movie remains a beacon of freedom and fun, a reminder that cinema is, at its core, about telling stories that excite and inspire—flaws and all.

Fábio Luís is the writer and director of the film “The Old Man and the Demon Sword“

Graduated in Cinema and with a Master’s in Multimedia Design, has worked as a freelancer in Portugal, creating projects for various prestigious companies both nationally and internationally. Some notable brands include: Microsoft, BMW, Nestlé, among others. In the field of comic books (creating animated trailers), he has collaborated with several national publishers for Marvel, DC, and Dark Horse.

“The Old Man and the Demon Sword” is his first feature film. It premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival, the most outstanding and largest genre film festival in North America, and is now a part of Kinosuite International.

Portugal

From an early age, Fábio Luís has been passionate about cinema. Growing up in Portugal, he was captivated by the raw energy of American B-movies, the stunning spectacle of Japanese tokusatsu, and the introspective nature of Portuguese films. It has always been his dream to combine these influences, creating something unique that bridges cultural and cinematic traditions.

That dream became a reality with The Old Man and the Demon Sword, a film that has been in development since Fábio’s teenage years. The project embodies everything he loves about cinema—larger-than-life heroes, intense action sequences, special effects, and deeper emotional threads that explore themes of friendship, mortality, and ambition. The film holds personal significance not only because it is a story long envisioned, but also due to the involvement of his close friend António da Luz, who starred in the film. António shared the same dream of filmmaking, and working together was a tremendous honor. His passing before the film’s completion was a devastating loss, but his presence and spirit are felt in every frame.

Visually, Fábio is drawn to contrasts, blending the surreal with the grounded to create worlds that feel fantastical yet emotionally authentic. His style is influenced by the practical effects of tokusatsu and the narrative playfulness of B-movies, always with a meta-textual element designed to provoke thought about the relationship between reality and fiction, and the role of cinema in telling stories.

Looking ahead, Fábio is excited to explore new creative ventures. He is currently developing a graphic novel inspired by his grandfather, an extraordinary man who, despite being blind, pursued his dreams and became a skilled accordionist. His life journey has always been a source of inspiration, and Fábio believes it is a story worth sharing. In addition, several other projects are in the works, soon to be unveiled.

“I’ve always been drawn to contrasts. I like to blend the surreal and the grounded, crafting worlds that feel fantastical yet emotionally real. My style pulls from tokusatsu’s practical effects and the narrative playfulness of B-movies, but there’s always a meta-textual element. I want my films to make people think about what they’re watching—how reality and fiction intermingle, how cinema itself can be part of the story.”
– Fábio Luís