Page 68 - Metropolis Megazine nº118

HANAMI

INTERVIEW Acclaimed as the best film in Tell us about the genesis of
“Hanami”?
the national competition at
Indie-Lisboa, “Hanami,” Denise Denise Fernandes: The genesis
Fernandes' first feature film, is of the project came from wanting
coming to Portuguese theatres. to make a feature film, which
DENISE It is the story of Nana, a Cape arose many years ago, then came

Verdean girl from the distant
thinking about the context for
FERNANDES Ilha do Fogo [Fogo Island], and making the film and realising
it was the perfect opportunity
that the film would be a huge
to discover another talent from commitment in terms of years
DIRECTOR Lusophone cinema and a film of writing and development.
that promises to surprise. Denise It was natural for me to think
explained the origin of the film's about putting my energy into
beautiful title, immersed herself something, as a Cape Verdean
in the intense days of filming, from the diaspora; it was going
pointed to emigration as an to be a story set in the context of
indisputable feature of Cape Cape Verde.
Verdean identity, and reflected on
the differences between making The title of the film, Hanami:
short films and the feature film what does this title mean and
that is now premiering. why was it chosen?
SÉRGIO ALVES Denise Fernandes: “Hanami”

68 METROPOLIS MAY 2025