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THE ANCHORAGE OF TIME
Based on the novel of MIA COUTO
UNDER THE FRANGIPANI
1.
In 2018, after an agreement with Real Ficção for the local production of a documentary about MIA COUTO and shortly after the director Sol de Carvalho had adapted the writer's short story, "the day that Mabata Bata exploded" recipient of a CPLP financial program, the parties came to an obvious consensus. Following a verbal agreement between the author and the director, it had been agreed that the next goal would be to adapt the novel UNDER THE FRANGIPANI. The project was submitted to a film fund and was granted financial support for the development and writing of the script.
2.
MIA COUTO and SOL CARVALHO decided to work together on the script, a challenge that only worked given the strong friendship and knowledge between the two. It was the first time that MIA had ventured into a script from a novel of his own. It required enormous flexibility to find a common ground. Fortunately, the author assumed the need to be free from his own previous work and many changes were brought forward. One of the most interesting changes was the common feeling that the Fortress of São Sebastião on the Island of Mozambique (the first capital of the Portuguese viceroyalty during colonization) was more than a simple scenario but a character on its own that gave the plot and the other characters special meaning. This resulted in THE ANCHORAGE OF TIME. RUI SIMÕES and JACINTA BARROS threw themselves into the thick of it, and with an African co-producer, submitted the film to the ICA Portuguese speaking countries film fund. New victory. The dream was beginning to take shape...
3.
A first trip to the island in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Videos and photos were taken. A first approach to the relationship between spaces and history began. It also allowed the presentation of this website.
4.
We are now looking to fulfill the financial plan. Looking for co-producers and opportunities. We are taking initiatives and expecting contacts. Open to all propositions.
5.
It seems all the hard work has been fruitful and a harvest of good news has arrived.
First with RTP, and now with the World Cinema Fund, adding up to the ACP Audiovisual Co-production programme recommendation.
6.
The project, by Mozambican director Sol de Carvalho, will receive funding from a German film support fund, associated with the Berlin Film Festival.
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