fILMS
Luis’s Interview
“MEN TO rEMEMBER” (2024)
“Men to Remember” is a poignant short film by that delves into themes of Black masculinity through an intimate lens. The film serves as part of an ongoing series documenting the lives of the men in Bijuca’s family, offering a tender yet unflinching portrayal of their happiness, struggles, and dreams. Structured as an interview, the film explores the complexities of identity, vulnerability, and resilience within the context of familial and cultural bonds. By combining digital and VHS footage, Bijuca weaves a rich visual tapestry that contrasts the immediacy of modern digital clarity with the nostalgic warmth and imperfection of analog tape. This dual medium not only reflects the passage of time but also underscores the layered nature of memory and legacy. The film is more than a family portrait—it’s a reflection on the broader experiences of Black men, challenging stereotypes and celebrating their depth, individuality, and humanity. Through this work, Bijuca creates a space for connection and understanding, inviting viewers to witness and honor these stories.
queba’s interview
this is Not a love story (2023)
"This is Not a Love Story" is a visually captivating, non-verbal short film that explores the emotional journey of a young woman navigating the complexities of an abusive relationship. Presented in four distinct chapters, the film uses a rich interplay of color, classical music, and minimalist design to symbolize her stages of transformation: entrapment, despair, awakening, and healing.
Each chapter immerses the audience in her internal world, from the stifling darkness of losing herself to the luminous warmth of rediscovery through the nurturing power of female friendships. The stylish, lo-fi aesthetic is brought to life with elegant simplicity, blending evocative costume and set design with a timeless classical score. "This is Not a Love Story" offers a raw yet hopeful portrait of resilience, growth, and the profound strength found in connection.
“womens Wednesday”(2022)
"Women's Wednesday" is an introspective film that delves into shared emotions and personal experiences, exploring the universality of feelings among women. Driven by questions I had been pondering, I conducted a series of conversations with the women in my life, seeking to uncover emotional intersections and collective reflections.
This project was my first exploration of filmmaking, and it became a foundation for discovering my creative voice. I employed experimental techniques with dark rooms and lighting, emphasizing shadows and contrast to create an intimate, almost tactile visual atmosphere. The interplay of light and dark serves to heighten the emotional gravity, mirroring the layered complexity of the conversations.
The film integrates thoughtfully designed graphic titles that seamlessly transition between segments, providing a cohesive structure while adding a polished, professional aesthetic. These visual elements guide the viewer through the narrative, balancing textual information with visual storytelling.
"Women's Wednesday" is as much about the content of the conversations as it is about the craft of filmmaking. It reflects a personal journey of learning and experimentation, blending emotional inquiry with technical exploration to create a work that is both personal and universal.
“En casa” (2022)
"Em Casa" is a contemplative film that uses the car as a central motif to explore themes of movement, memory, and the idea of home. The vehicle becomes a symbolic space, capturing the layered interactions between the interior and exterior worlds.
The film skillfully employs close-ups and dynamic angles to draw attention to the car's physicality—its textures, reflections, and the interplay of light on its surfaces. The sound design amplifies this intimacy, blending ambient noise and subtle audio cues to immerse the viewer within the car's space.
The transitions between scenes are punctuated with a deliberate pacing, allowing moments to linger and evoke reflection. The graphics used for the titles are minimalist yet evocative, grounding the film while adding an aesthetic cohesion. Lighting plays a crucial role, with a soft, diffused glow emphasizing the contrast between the interior and the world outside, creating an intimate atmosphere.
"Em Casa" transforms the car into more than a mode of transport—it becomes a narrative device that examines the emotional connections tied to spaces we inhabit and leave behind. This film is a meditation on the intersection of personal and collective journeys, rendered through a thoughtful lens and a mastery of visual storytelling techniques.