“We see more and more women working at sea, developing businesses, providing training, and advancing technological and scientific development. The project ultimately gives a voice to women. Women are naturally caregivers, and it is necessary to care for our ocean,” explains filmmaker Raquel Clemente Martins.
The documentary, featuring the voices of 49 women and involving 71 Azorean women in total, will be screened on November 7 at the Pavilion of Knowledge in Lisbon during the National Conference on Ocean Literacy, after its premiere on the island of Faial in July.
“The role of women in the Azorean maritime sphere has been changing over time. It was an almost transparent role, despite always being present. They supported the family and prepared the equipment but were not visible,” she recalled.
The film includes women from all Azorean islands with an “emotional connection to the sea,” as fishers, biologists, sailors, teachers, or architects, presenting the perspective of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated environment.
“We want to connect the presence of women in maritime professions and the impact of having more women studying the ocean in academia. There are increasingly more women fishers, sailors, or in prominent positions on ships,” emphasized Raquel Clemente Martins.
Under the theme “Who Loves, Protects,” the documentary aims to raise awareness about the need to preserve the oceans and is scheduled for screenings in the coming months and until early 2026 in Germany, Spain, Ireland, Brussels, Macau, and Hong Kong.
“We are bringing the voice of Azorean women to the world. This is extremely exciting,” stated the filmmaker, expressing the desire to show the documentary on all the Azorean islands.
The documentary on Azorean women is part of the “Women of the Sea” project, developed by the non-governmental organization Help Images, which is already preparing a second film featuring stories from women in various European countries, Mexico, and Cuba.
“The ‘Women of the Sea’ project is not just about making films. We want to create a ‘digital hub’ where all testimonies can be found and connect women of the sea who are part of this movement, which already unites over 900 women from 30 countries,” concluded the filmmaker.
