Manoel de Oliveira hospitalised

103 year old director said to have breathing difficulties.

by Jennie Kermode

Manoel de Oliveira, the Portuguese auteur behind such works as Francisca, The Cannibals and Belle Toujours, was taken to hospital yesterday after suffering from breathing difficulties, according to news agency Lusa. He is said to be in stable condition.

At 103, Oliveira is the world's oldest working director, with a film coming out later this year and another in pre-production. Despite needing heart surgery two years ago he shows no sign of slacking, and he also undertakes speaking engagements, playing an active role in wider cultural and artistic conversations. He is expected to return to work when he is discharged in the next few days.

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