An American art historian. A Portuguese genius
André Soares was an 18th-century master whose art, fuelled by gold arriving from Brazil, gave rise to Rococo masterpieces.
Two hundred years later, an enigmatic art historian, Robert C. Smith, rediscovered his forgotten legacy, in an odyssey that crossed borders and decades.
Artists such as Joana Vasconcelos recognise André Soares as a source of inspiration — proof that true genius never dies.
Sea of Gold tells a story never told before, using innovative visual tools.
Two parallel mysteries spanning two centuries: a self-taught genius erased from history, and a determined American academic who rescued him from oblivion — and who then died in mysterious circumstances.
Genre:
Documentary
Duration:
120 min
Format:
4K UHD/COLOUR/STEREO
Director:
Martin Dale
Production Year:
2026
Original Language:
PT | ENG
Credits
Production Company:
Sombra Chinesa
Director:
Martin Dale
Cinematography:
Martin Dale, Diogo Costa
Editing:
Martin Dale
Assistant Editor & Colourist:
Diogo Costa
3D Animation & Visual Effects:
José Pilar, Nelson Amorim, Cristiano Maciel
Original Music:
Rafael Abranches
Sound Design:
Miguel Fernandes
Video Archive:
RTP/Cinemateca Portuguesa
Photo Archive:
Robert C Smith Estate – Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Broadcasters:
Portuguese-language version sold to SIC/OPTO
Support:
ICA – Instituto do Cinema e Audiovisual
Fundo de Apoio ao Turismo e ao Cinema
Braga City Council
Arcos de Valdevez Town Council
Confraria de Bom Jesus