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30 Jan – 9 Feb 2025

As sereias

Paulo Rocha | Portugal | 2001 | 31' | | IFFR 2001

The night of the summer solstice. Explosions of fireworks resound between the two banks of the river like a bombardment. In the river, boats appear and disappear. Lost in the dark, rich and poor dissolve under the firework lights, changing colours every moment. Is it war? Is it the light of the sky descending upon them? Is it the end of the world? Paulo Rocha (Porto, 1935) is one of the most important exponents of the Portuguese nouvelle vague from the sixties. He has made many short films, features and documentaries that are internationally renowned.

Also in this combined programme

  • Acordar

    A beautiful example of how a short film does not need to be narrative yet can still leave a deep impression behind.

    • main programme short

  • Cançao distante

    A musical couple finds a new zest for life with a new song.

    • main programme short

  • ‘t Wordt toch niks

    Honest, yet also humorous picture of mentality in this, the world’s largest port city.

    • main programme short

  • Corpo e meio

    Instinctively he covers the flame in front of him. The fire slowly but surely consumes tears and fever.

    • main programme short

  • Best Foot Forward

    Enigmatic short film about Claes, a young man who is confronted with his fears and desires.

    • main programme short
View the full programme

Film details

Country of production
Portugal
Year
2001
Festival edition
IFFR 2001
Length
31"
Medium/Format
35mm

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