The winning idea of the “Prémio Curta Pico” comes to the big screen at the Montanha Pico Festival. The film “First Date,” by Luís Filipe Borges, produced by Advogado do Diabo in partnership with MiratecArts, was supported by the island’s three municipalities and features scenes shot in Lajes do Pico, São Roque does Pico and Madalena.

“I’m very proud – and nervous – to be able to bring this sort of belated Christmas present to the audiences of Ilha Montanha,” says director Luís Filipe Borges. “It’s like a real test-screening, with the team present, a way to see how people react to this declaration of love for Pico, before we complete the final edit of the short film.”

The director is joined by actors Ana Lopes and Cristóvão Campos, the protagonists of “First Date,” as well as the production team. “We can’t wait and we’re counting on the extraordinary partners from the 3 municipalities – and souls from the private sector – who have been absolutely essential in bringing this adventure to fruition,” admits Luís Filipe Borges.

The poster was launched this weekend with an image by the film’s director of photography, Diogo Rola, and a design by Vera Silveira. The trailer will be published before the end of the year. The premiere takes place on January 4th. Then, the film’s final version will be promoted at festivals at home and abroad.

What is this romantic comedy about? Santiago and Melissa flirt on a social network. She loves Romana Petri, the author of books set on the island of Pico. He desperately wants to meet her. “What if we met there? That’s where I live!” The young American accepts the challenge. The Lisbon man, who has posed as an Azorean, has quite a dilemma to solve…

The first film written and directed by Luís Filipe Borges, shot entirely on the Mountain Island (Pico), will be screened on Saturday, January 4, at the Azorean Audiovisual Meeting during the Montanha Pico Festival. The gala session, which includes the PAA! Awards – Azorean Audiovisual Prizes will begin with a red carpet moment, starting at 4pm, at the Madalena Library Auditorium, open to the general public and with free admission.

First Date – Short Film

www.picofestival.com

FromMiratecArts

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks the Luso-American Education Foundation for sponsoring FILAMENTOS.