The film titled ‘People, Spaces, Culture and Traditions of Ourém’ was proposed by its creator to the local municipal council, as explained by Isabel Costa, the Culture Councilwoman. “He presented a challenge to the municipality two years ago, just as he did with other municipalities. It is a documentary about the territory and around the people of the territory,” the councilwoman predicted, expressing “much curiosity” about the production.
Gonçalo M. Tavares conducted interviews with residents, using their memories and shared traditions as a starting point to explore the city. This process culminates in the film, which will premiere on Saturday at 6:00 PM to kick off the Ourém Book Festival.
“I haven’t seen the documentary yet, but it marks the start of a project we wish to expand: collecting memories in Ourém and then moving on to other areas of the municipality, as fewer memories are being preserved,” the councilwoman noted.
Following the film’s screening at the Estúdio Room of the Ourém Municipal Theater (TMO), a conversation with Gonçalo M. Tavares will take place, encouraging attendees to contribute to the discussion about memory and the territory.
The film’s debut at the Book Festival is part of the municipality’s effort to rethink the traditional book fair concept.
“Since Gonçalo M. Tavares is a writer, we decided to include the film in the event’s program,” explained the councilwoman.
This approach also extends to theater, which will have a significant presence in this year’s edition, featuring nine shows catering to various audiences.
Some of the theatrical performances to be staged in Ourém include ‘O grande fogo’ by the TMO Young Theater Group, ‘Cabe mais um?’ from the National Theater D. Maria II, ‘Verbo feminino’ by the Meridional Theater with Natália Luísa, ‘A cor do limão’ by the Andante company, ‘O papel do dinheiro’ by Mala Voadora, ‘A flor e o peixe’ by Catarina Câmara, ‘Projeto Aurora’ by Inês Melo, the family-oriented musical theater ‘Grande fábrica das palavras,’ and ‘Sul’ featuring Virgílio Castelo.
“Theater is about interpreting a work: it’s the reading of a book in a dramatized form by people who convey a message to us. That’s why we are heavily investing in theater this year, integrating the Book Festival with the TMO’s schedule, supported by the Directorate-General for the Arts.”
In Ourém, exploration of literature transcends traditional formats by offering more than just buying a book or listening to an author, as emphasized by the councilwoman.
In addition to books and authors, the event will feature theater, music, cinema, and a literary walk.
