FEST, Festival Novos Realizadores, Novo Cinema, is widely considered one of Portugal’s most prestigious film festivals. It stands out for promoting the work of new directors and filmmakers worldwide, presenting innovative films and the best of world cinema.

“First Date,” the first film by Luís Filipe Borges, has been confirmed as an official selection, making its national premiere in the coastal city of Espinho. The film is part of the competition section for the National Grand Prize, as stated in the note that the producers received from the festival: ”Your film stood out among the more than 4,500 films submitted. After a long period of deliberation, we have reached a decision on your work. We are pleased to inform you that we have decided to select “First Date” by Luís Filipe Borges for our National Competition – National Grand Prize.”

Images show the island of Pico, from the Cella Bar in Madalena, Lava Homes in the parish of Santo Amaro—in São Roque do Pico, to the Fort of Santa Catarina in Lajes do Pico. The three municipalities of the island of Pico are well highlighted with images already mentioned in international reviews.

The director of photography and editor is Diogo Rola, the director’s long-time collaborator. The soundtrack is original by Cristóvam, all from the Azores.

Ana Lopes and Cristóvão Campos star in this romantic comedy, in which an American woman and a supposed Azorean meet for the first time on the island of Pico… and now, Cupid? Nuno Janeiro plays the picaroto shepherd, and Gina Neves is the island woman. But you’ll have to see the film to enjoy all the surprises.

“This short rom-com, which attempts to honor the genre while playing with some of its clichés, has brought me and our wonderful team immeasurable joy,” says director Luís Filipe Borges. ”We are immensely proud that the national premiere is taking place at FEST, and in competition, which is a great honor for us. I have already experienced the days that this event and the city of Espinho have to offer, and it is a true celebration of love for cinema. It will always be one of the greatest honors of my life that this 100% Azorean production has been so well received in your midst. As we say in my native Terceira, ‘Haja Saúde!’ (May there be health!).”

The production companies Advogado do Diabo and MiratecArts plan to attend the festival and invite the public to the national premiere in Espinho. For more information and to follow the film’s adventures, join the official Facebook page: firstdateshortfilm2025.