Multo.com :: Visual Magic

OLHARES & Lisbon – LOVE!!!

On our way to the boat…

I have been terribly busy lately, unable to sit myself down and write up a good long entry on Lisbon (however, I did manage to get the photos up!). I cannot express enough how wonderful an experience it was Рfrom the gracious warmth of our hosts РAlex, Tet̩, Patricia, Vasco, Jose, the entire staff at Chapito Рto the amazing filmmakers I met at the festival РBrendan, Gerry, Daniel, Lorcan, Bru, Nicolai РI doubt I could have had a better time.

Me and Vasco, my Lisbon little brother

From my arrival into Lisbon, to the last morning, Vasco was my transportation and my guide to the city. He was an adorable guy, who explained the city to me through the eyes of a local passionate about his city, his culture. He carted me to and from the hotel to Chapito – a circus school cum restaurant cum social activism collective cum cultural center.

Teté

Jose took me on a tour the first night I arrived and explained to me the history and mission of Chapito, all based on the incredible efforts of Teresa Ricou, who is famous as the character “Teté”, in clowning. Her heart and drive created a safe haven for street kids to re-learn and integrate back into society through art. Another heroine for SheStory – I interviewed her and am eagerly editing the piece now for the site. Much to learn from this wonderful force of nature!

The Filmmakers congregating over Portuguese wine

Every night was filled with screenings, amazing discussions on filmmaking, drinking massive amounts of wine (oh, my head!) and loads of laughter. Most of the time when you go to these kind of events, there is much swaggering, ego polishing and hierarchal bullshit. None of that here – we are film MAKERS – meaning we love the medium we work in and the trappings of this format – fame, wealth, vulgar bad taste – are not something we even find all that interesting. We are gear heads, art fanatics, genius noodling in visual magic. We understood each other so very well, and it was uniquely wonderful. Program Director Alex did a stellar job and he was our Pied Piper as we drank, talked, argued, laughed, sang and danced our way around Lisbon, usually until dawn.

Vasco and Alex

Screenings were amazing – full of experimental pieces that moved you either with subtle genius or grand vision. Then came the VJ’ing – all night mixing as Miixxy – in a metal tent, while a group of DJs, who only play 45′s and singles, mixed old school funk, soul and rock and roll. It was my kind of night.

Chapito – my heart’s home in Lisbon

My heart rebooted in Lisbon, after a couple of hard years and lots of disappointment. It was like being invited into the Circus of The Earth and Air – a rare place that requires you have the resonate DNA or heart link that tells you this art haven is another home for your soul. If pockets of grace and wonder, joy and love exist, than more do, can and will. Its just matter of finding them, celebrating them, helping them flourish and sending other like-minded souls in that direction. If you get the chance to visit the gorgeous city of Lisbon, check out Chapito – not only as a destination for food, but as a source for the soul.

Peace and much love – besos mil!
Melissa