Rui Pedro Tendinha has interviewed everyone: Oprah, Tarantino, Jack Nicholson are just a few. And he will not stop. A self-confessed cinema addict, Rui Tendinha is one of the most recognized voices in the business, not only as journalist but also as a curator. Listen to his journey amongst the stars in this episode of The Heart & Hustle of Portugal.

The film critic shares a few of his adventures interviewing the likes of Julie Andrews or Quentin Tarantino (a highlight of his career), and give us some insight into his new book.

He also shares his favourite films and Portuguese food, and proposes a strategy for more investment in Portugal’s film infrastructure to attract Hollywood productions.

Rui Pedro Tendinha has interviewed everyone: Oprah, Tarantino, Jack Nicholson are just a few. And he will not stop. A self-confessed cinema addict, Rui Tendinha is one of the most recognized voices in the business, not only as journalist but also as a curator. Listen to his journey amongst the stars in this episode of The Heart &amp; Hustle of Portugal.
The film critic shares a few of his adventures interviewing the likes of Julie Andrews or Quentin Tarantino (a highlight of his career), and give us some insight into his new book.
He also shares his favourite films and Portuguese food, and proposes a strategy for more investment in Portugal&rsquo;s film infrastructure to attract Hollywood productions.

Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s first English-language product, this series bridges cultures and connects the global audience to Portugal’s spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience.

Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s first English-language product, this series bridges cultures and connects the global audience to Portugal’s spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience.

Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive— explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage

The Heart & Hustle of Portugal

The Heart and Hustle of Portugal

A self-confessed cinema addict, Rui Tendinha is one of the most recognized voices in the business, not only as journalist but also as a curator. Listen to his journey amongst the stars in this episode of The Heart & Hustle of Portugal.

Rui Pedro Tendinha: How a Portuguese critic hustled his way into Hollywood’s inner circle

Revisit the first episode of season 3 of The Heart and Hustle of Portugal with the singer-songwriter MARO.

Revisit the first episode of season 3 of The Heart and Hustle of Portugal with the singer-songwriter MARO.

Rerelease: MARO’s music is global, but her taste is still Portuguese

Revisit this episode from season 3 of The Heart and Hustle of Portugal with comedian André de Freitas.

Revisit this episode from season 3 of The Heart and Hustle of Portugal with comedian Andr&eacute; de Freitas.

Rerelease: André de Freitas’ unfiltered guide to eating (and avoiding) in Portugal

Actor Afonso Pimentel, one of the most recognizable faces from Netflix’s “Turn of the Tide”, carries with him a story that reveals how a single moment of hesitation can alter the course of a career. Early on, when a casting director from Los Angeles reached out requesting his reel, Pimentel didn’t have one prepared. He asked for two weeks to assemble it: The reply never came.

Only years later did he discover what was at stake: the production was casting for a then‑unknown series titled “Lost”, a show that would go on to become a global phenomenon. The opportunity evaporated before he had the chance to compete for it, a reminder that, in the entertainment industry, timing matters, but acting on timing matters more. Windows of opportunity rarely stay open.

Today, Pimentel’s path has brought him international visibility through Netflix and a growing body of work that solidifies his reputation. Yet the missed “Lost” moment remains part of his narrative, an example of the unpredictable turns that shape creative careers. It’s a story that resonates not only with actors, but with anyone working in an industry where momentum is fragile — and where hesitation can mean watching a defining moment pass by.

Actor Afonso Pimentel, one of the most recognizable faces from Netflix&rsquo;s &ldquo;Turn of the Tide&rdquo;, carries with him a story that reveals how a single moment of hesitation can alter the course of a career. Early on, when a casting director from Los Angeles reached out requesting his reel, Pimentel didn&rsquo;t have one prepared. He asked for two weeks to assemble it: The reply never came.
Only years later did he discover what was at stake: the production was casting for a then‑unknown series titled &ldquo;Lost&rdquo;, a show that would go on to become a global phenomenon. The opportunity evaporated before he had the chance to compete for it, a reminder that, in the entertainment industry, timing matters, but acting on timing matters more. Windows of opportunity rarely stay open.
Today, Pimentel&rsquo;s path has brought him international visibility through Netflix and a growing body of work that solidifies his reputation. Yet the missed &ldquo;Lost&rdquo; moment remains part of his narrative, an example of the unpredictable turns that shape creative careers. It&rsquo;s a story that resonates not only with actors, but with anyone working in an industry where momentum is fragile &mdash; and where hesitation can mean watching a defining moment pass by.

Afonso Pimentel sits down with Tony Gonçalves to talk about heritage, mental health and living with a sense of opportunity. Listen to the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal

Rui Pedro Tendinha: How a Portuguese critic hustled his way into Hollywood’s inner circle

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