Cleo is six years old, has a myopic look and has been madly in love with Gloria, her nanny, since she was born. When Gloria receives a call and must urgently return to her home in Cape Verde to care for her two children, whom she has not raised, Cleo makes her promise to meet one last time. Gloria accepts and invites Cleo to spend the summer vacations on her island. A last summer that they will spend together, in Gloria’s family, before inevitably saying goodbye.
Cesária Évora made the music of the Cape Verde islands famous throughout the world in the early 1990s. This film is an introduction to the culture, music and zest for life of the Cape Verdean people. On the occasion of the famous carnival of Mindelno, on the island of São Vicente where Cesaria Évora was born, this documentary offers a musical journey to discover "Sodade" and its legacy. Cesaria Évora, who died in 2011 after a twenty-year career, has allowed Cape Verde to shine throughout the world. The "barefoot diva", considered the queen of the morna has conquered the world and inspired many Cape Verdean artists. The small archipelago, which was for several centuries an important hub of the slave trade has promoted since then an important ethnic mix, which has played an important role in the evolution of local music.
Ossos is a powerful drama that takes place in the impoverished neighborhood of Fontainhas in Lisbon, Portugal. It follows the story of a young African immigrant woman who becomes pregnant and struggles to navigate life in the slums. With themes of poverty, post-colonialism, family relationships, and disillusionment, Ossos provides a sobering portrayal of urban life.
In Vanda's Room is a semi-documentary drama that takes place in the Fontainhas neighborhood of Lisbon, Portugal. It follows the life of Vanda, a drug user and heroin addict, as she navigates the challenges of poverty, addiction, and family relationships. The film provides a raw and intimate portrayal of Vanda and her struggles in an urban setting.
A nurse working in Lisbon travels to Cape Verde with a patient who is in a coma. She becomes lost and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, encountering post-punk musicians and experiencing memory loss along the way.
The Other Side of the Atlantic is a documentary that builts a bridge in the ocean that separates Brazil and Africa. The film tackles the cultural exchanges, the imaginary created through the mirroring, the prejudice and dreams built in both sides of the atlantic through the life stories of the students of african countries in transit through Brazil.
After her husband's death, Vitalina Varela travels to Cape Verde to attend his funeral. She reflects on their difficult relationship and her own struggles in life. In her journey, she encounters a community grappling with poverty and grief, finding solace in their shared experiences.
Miguel —alias Tibars, alias “Djon África,” born and raised in Portugal— is a kindhearted Rastafarian who loves women and lives a carefree life. Until one day a stranger tells him he's the spitting image of his father, “a player and a crook.” His father, whom he never even knew! This intriguing discovery makes him change tack. Particularly when his grandmother, who always took care of him, finally tells him how his father was in prison; how sad Miguel was as a toddler when he couldn't see him; how his father was banished to Cape Verde. Miguel goes there to visit him. Who is this man?
A blonde-haired girl falls in love at first sight with a man on a train. They start a relationship, but when the man's lack of money becomes apparent, the girl's mother disapproves. The girl is fired from her job and struggles to find work, eventually resorting to gambling. She encounters a scoundrel, an old friend who helps her get a job at a hardware store. Meanwhile, the man finds success as a broker, but still harbors feelings for the girl. They reunite on a balcony and reconcile their differences, symbolized by the exchange of a ring.
The story of three young Cape Verdean sisters upon their arrival at a foreign European port, in an attempt to escape another devastating eruption of the volcano Fogo. In this unknown country, they roam, hand in hand, evoking their secret fears through music and singing.
Cape Verde, 1964. At the feet of a mighty volcano, the traditional Cape Verdean society is undergoing a steady change. The old land-owning aristocracy is disintegrating. A class of "mulattos" begins to emerge, with a trade-based financial power that threatens the landlords. A new identity arises, a mix of old and new, of African and Portuguese culture, sensual and dynamic. The songs of Cesária Évora follow this inevitable transformation. From the novel by Henrique Teixeira de Sousa.
A book is buried under a mango tree in a backyard in Cape Verde, initiating a journey to reconstruct a fictional, geographic, emotional, and identitary cartography of loss, based on the five stages of grief.
Praia, Cape Verde. Laura, Flavia and Bela are childhood friends. Each leads her own life and they sometimes meet to dance, dine and have fun. But one day the calm rivers of their lives break their banks and become wild torrents: Ricardo, Flavia's husband, rapes his pupil Indira, Laura's 13-year old eldest daughter. A film that takes a critical look at the lives of women in Cape Verde.
A documentary that explores the Cape Verdean American diaspora, highlighting the experiences and challenges faced by the community in the United States. It sheds light on the cultural heritage, identity, and struggles of Cape Verdean Americans as they navigate through generations.
Documentary about African freedom fighter Amílcar Cabral, whose story is told by his relatives and friends. Amílcar, besides being a humanist and nationalist, was also a brilliant poet.
Tchinda is one of most beloved women in Cape Verde, especially after she came out as a transgender person in the local newspaper in 1998. Since then, her name has become the term used by locals to name queer Cape Verdeans.
Li Ké Terra (2010) is a documentary film that explores the experiences and challenges faced by immigrants from Cape Verde. It delves into their personal stories, struggles, and aspirations, highlighting the impact of immigration on their lives. With a focus on the unique cultural and historical background of Cape Verde, the film provides a nuanced perspective on the complexities of the immigrant experience.
World renowned Grammy Award winning singer Cesária Évora from Cabo Verde in a new, intimate documentary. With previously unseen footage and insights into the singer's life, the film follows the struggles and success of the Barefoot Diva.
This documentary explores the vast and diverse Atlantic Ocean, showcasing its historical significance, breathtaking landscapes, and captivating stories. Through stunning reenactments and archive footage, viewers get a glimpse into the lives of those who have traversed this iconic body of water.
Batuque, the Soul of a People is a documentary film that explores the rich music and dance culture of Cape Verde. It takes the viewers on a journey through the vibrant rhythms of batuque music and showcases the cultural heritage of this African nation. The film also delves into the historical and social significance of batuque, highlighting its influence on the identity of Cape Verdean people. With breathtaking visuals and insightful interviews, Batuque, the Soul of a People offers a captivating glimpse into the soulful world of Cape Verdean music and dance.