where it happened
in a small village called “Fontes” in Leiria, where the Lis’ river springs.
what was going on
Nascentes is a community-based festival in which all residents actively participate and contribute to make it happen. the festival is built from the ground up, with the direct involvement and support of the local community, fostering connections between artists, nature, creativity and tradition. concerts, creative residencies, children's activities, gatherings, and communal dinners are some of the key elements of this event that celebrates the vital role of Fontes village in nurturing community spirit.
things we’ll never forget
the residents’ tractors serving as transportation for the artists’ instruments;
Luís’s, also known as Nharro’s, delicious local abafado (sweet wine);
the joy of people coming together to celebrate the beauty of Fontes shines through in every moment.
our role
core team
production, logistics, video coverage.
what was going on
Festival a Porta is a call to reflection and civic participation, aimed at enhancing each individual's role in the cultural and social development of Leiria. Its mission has always been to promote education through the arts, fostering artistic creation and creative dialogue between the local community and the territory, while encouraging sharing and co-creation for the region's cultural advancement.
we began helping the festival during its fifth edition in 2014 as filmmakers and gradually became more involved. since 2022, we have taken on the role of artistic directors for the festival.
where it happened
in the historical city center of Leiria, as well as in private homes and various locations throughout the city.
things we’ll never forget
the day a band played for 24 hours straight, with some of the audience sleeping on-site;
the friendships formed with staff, volunteers, artists and the audience that continue to thrive today.
our city, alive with people, joy, and smiling faces, filled with art and music in every corner and shop.
our role
core team
art direction, executive production, technical management, logistics, video coverage.
where it happened
in some smaller communities in Leiria and Torres Vedras.
what was going on
MAPAS is an invitation to forge new paths and collective memories. collaboration is the central focus of MAPAS' artistic program, bringing artists together to enhance the power of artistic creation. it is a collaborative effort to break down borders and expand neighborhoods, as artists work alongside locals to develop an artistic program rooted in the local culture.
things we’ll never forget
the process of transforming an old garage into a museu;
all the beautiful artists we met that came to collaborate and work with locals.
our role
core team
production, logistics, technical management, video coverage
where it happened
Quinta do Alçada is a social neighborhood in Leiria. once viewed as problematic by the community, it has transformed over the years, partly due to the intervention of organizations like Inpulsar, which works with youth through arts and culture.
what was going on
Sob o Mesmo Céu, “under the same sky” in english, aimed to expand social development policies and initiatives in the public spaces of Quinta do Alçada, reimagining these areas as places for connection, integration, education, and citizenship building. for a period of three years, we worked with the children from the neighborhood, doing audiovisual activities and workshops. our goal was to enhance their social-emotional skills and sense of belonging through collective interventions in the community space.
things we’ll never forget
the happiness and joy of the kids each time we arrived;
witnessing the kids grow over the three years of the project. some began as little rascals and finished as pre-teens.
our role
audiovisual mentors
where it happened
in ten natural areas in the heart of Portugal, located away from the coastline but near crystal-clear rivers and sacred mountains.
sicó/alvaiázer, estrela, geopark, lousã, geopark naturtejo,
vouga-caramulo, aire e candeeiros, malcata, açor, vale do
côa e gardunha.
what was going on
an artistic itinerary project where we dare to dream, reclaiming the sounds, rhythms and movements of the people and their surroundings. each week, we invited artists to collaborate with local associations, culminating in a big weekend featuring music, film and family-friendly activities. we also created a series of 40 short documentaries that portray the lives of 40 residents in their regions, exploring what motivates and inspires them, as well as how they nurture and engage with their community. we were incredibly fortunate to be part of this wonderful team, managing production, providing technical support, and documenting the events through film.
things we’ll never forget
all the incredible people we’ve met and their unique stories;
Vitor’s wine “tombas gigantes” and his lovely daughter Vitória;
the food, the view and diving in the cold river on a sunny Sunday.
our role
core team
production, logistics, technical management, video coverage.
what was going on
a unique project aimed at reintegrating prisoners into society and reducing recidivism through the arts. we were invited to do a three-month artistic residency with two groups of inmates. we asked each group to create and recorded sounds inside the prison, to write their own lyrics and conceptualize a music video. they then produced the music and filmed their performances. we documented the entire process on video.
at the end of the project, the documentary, along with both music videos, was presented in two sessions at the prison—one for families, press, and sponsors, and another for fellow inmates and staff. the works were also showcased to the public at Teatro José Lúcio da Silva, the largest theater in Leiria.
where it happened
at one of Portugal’s biggest youth prisons
things we’ll never forget
“we, inmates, are deprived of freedom but we are not deprived of dreaming”
“when i’m singing I don’t feel locked up”
people change and everyone deserves a second chance in life
our role
audiovisual mentors
