HANDS, 7min., Portugal
Directed by Filipe Piteira
Hands are the connection and the path between the body and soul. The mode of search and self-knowledge, which is intuitive and sensorial, with them, discovering and transcending themselves. It is the receptive and restless mind that transforms hands into instruments of grace.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I've always found hands to be a beautiful part of our body. Moreover, they are more than mere physicality.

From a metaphysical perspective, they are symbols of the human potential to transcend the limits of matter and access the sublime. They connect the physical and spiritual worlds, shape the invisible and express the eternal through the ephemeral. So I wanted to illustrate the hands as a metaphysical component and how this invites us to reflect on the very nature of the human being as a meeting point between the tangible and the transcendent.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

in Portugal make films is always very difficult and a huge challenge. Fortunately, I managed to bring together a group of professionals who saw potential in the project and who made it possible to set up all the production stages in a way that was viable in terms of costs, thus managing to create this film in a few months.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

delicate and contemplative .

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

We had many hours of footage and it was difficult, but also challenging, to find the shots that best described the story

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I liked the idea, it's dynamic and genuine. It's always good to receive criticism, good or bad, it helps us to evolve.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I'd say it was a gradual process over time, from when I was a child I just liked to watch, to starting to write and then wanting to put something on screen that came from my imagination.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

maybe - 8 1/2 by Federico Fellini

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

It could be good to be a mediator between filmmakers and production companies, so that they can have more opportunities and visibility in the film industry

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It's been very satisfactory. It's a very complete and easy-to-understand platform that ends up being used not only by independent filmmakers but also by production companies.

It allows us to find the best options for each film and to follow the entire distribution process.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love American food such as grilled cheese or crispy chicken

11. What is next for you? A new film?

The future is always uncertain but I would be happy if I could continue to explore transcendental narratives that simultaneously illustrate the anguish and vulnerability of human beings and their existence