“The film reached one of its highest points in Cape Verde. It has been showcased in over 30 festivals across all continents,” but presenting it in the archipelago, the country where it was produced, “is a different feeling, very curious,” commented Denise Fernandes.
The premiere in the archipelago took place between Saturday and Sunday, with screenings in Praia city and on the island of Fogo, where the feature film was shot.
“It’s a moment we’ve been waiting for a long time. Our hearts are full,” she added.
The audience reception has been “fantastic,” especially with remarks from those who see themselves in the characters, the settings, and the themes explored.
“It’s important for people to feel that connection because the film touches on realities very close to those in Cape Verde,” she stressed.
Featuring a cast mostly composed of non-professional actors, the director explained that this choice represented a significant challenge.
“Filmmaking is not a game. It requires a lot of effort because we want everything to look natural. Achieving that naturalness required considerable preparation. At the same time, many of the non-actors were able to convey moments of such pure genuineness, almost as if fiction didn’t exist. It was one of the greatest challenges but also the most enriching part of the process,” she stated.
The film is a co-production involving Cape Verde, Portugal, and Switzerland, with support from Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, the Portuguese Embassy in Cape Verde, and the Batalha Cinema Center.
The filmmaking was an opportunity to emphasize the importance of production work in Cape Verde.
“There aren’t many productions in the country, and it was important to provide the film with a solid foundation, finding a network of experienced professionals,” she explained.
“There are aspects of the country that are impossible to explain with words. The language of cinema allows us to communicate themes and feelings that are difficult to convey verbally,” she added, noting that despite the success, the focus remains on promotion.
“There’s still a lot to be done in terms of promotion, and then we’ll see what comes next,” she mentioned, highlighting that several premieres are scheduled, including two sessions in New York and in Portugal, set for May.
The story follows Nana, a girl living on the island of Fogo, from where everyone wants to leave, except her.
Abandoned by her mother, Nia, who suffers from mysterious fevers, she is taken to the volcano to be healed, entering a world between dream and reality.
Alice da Luz Gomes, the daughter of Cape Verdean parents, born and raised in France, is the only professional actress in the cast and plays the mother.
“This mother represents Cape Verdean mothers a lot,” Alice stated, considering the experience “very interesting.”
“I have worked with trained actors before, but I learned so much from those who don’t have formal training. I never thought I would make a film here, in Creole,” she added.
Fábio Barros, who debuted without any prior experience, admitted it was “very difficult,” but his desire to participate prevailed.
“I believed in myself and went in with my head held high. Now I really enjoy acting. I’m already recording videos and plan to travel to deepen my knowledge,” he said.
‘Hanami’ has already received several awards, including the Ingmar Bergman award at the Gothenburg Film Festival (Sweden) in February and the Discovery award at the Locarno Festival (Switzerland) in 2024.
It was also honored at festivals in Chicago (USA) and São Paulo (Brazil).
Denise Fernandes has previously directed short films such as ‘Nha Mila’ (2020), ‘Idyllium’ (2013), ‘Pan sin mermelada’ (2012), and ‘Una notte’ (2011).
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