“Maré Vaza” selected for the Tirana International Film Festival
Some films begin long before there is an image and stay with us long after.
Maré Vaza, directed by Bruno Carnide, has been selected for the Tirana International Film Festival in Albania, one of the most relevant international film festivals in the region and a qualifying festival for both the Academy Awards and the European Film Awards.
For me, this selection carries a particularly special meaning.
The entire score for Maré Vaza was born from a single sound: the sound of a conch shell played by Mr. Alberto Assunção Pinto, whom I met during a short period in Ovar. From that sound, I composed, processed, manipulated and transformed the sonic material in countless ways, making it the raw material for the entire score.
A few weeks ago, Mr. Alberto passed away. I was fortunate enough to meet him during the shoot and to hear his stories, but above all, to hear that sound he had used so many times to call boats and fishermen. It is already difficult for me to imagine Maré Vaza without him. This selection is also an opportunity to celebrate and remember Mr. Alberto, and the generosity with which he shared that sound with us.
Maré Vaza was created during an artistic residency organised by Shortcutz Ovar, where, in just four days, we wrote and filmed a short film. It was an intense, unlikely and deeply special experience, built on collaboration, listening and trust.
My deepest thanks to Bruno Carnide for his trust and openness, to Cátia Biscaia for her friendship and insight, to Tiago Alves for his clarity and vision, to Ana Castro for her tremendous support; to Tiago Iúri for his friendship and great spirit; to Sérgio Praia, Alice and Tobias for their incredible commitment; and to all the other members of the team who helped bring this film to life.
A very special thank you to Shortcutz Ovar for creating the space and opportunity for Maré Vaza to exist.
The film now continues its journey to Tirana - and may the sound of the conch shell continue to resonate.
