Luís Filipe Borges’ first film, “First Date,” has already been screened at 25 festivals in 12 countries, winning eight awards. The latest award came from São Paulo, from the Short Way International Film Festival, and went directly to the debut director.

“This award has made my inner child grateful, happy, and proud,” admits Luís Filipe Borges. “And it has given the adult, now approaching 48, a lot of encouragement to throw himself into his new cinematic adventure as soon as possible. Bring it on, and thank you Brazil!”

Best First-Time Filmmaker was awarded by the jury of the Short Way festival, which will screen the Brazilian premiere of the film on August 16 at Cine Satyros, in Praça Franklin Roosevelt, in the center of the “city that never stops.”

Short Way is a festival that celebrates the diversity of short films and appreciates the incredible talent that shines through the art of cinematography, allowing independent filmmakers to showcase their work.

Luís Filipe Borges’ “First Date” continues its second semester of adventure at international festivals, after premiering last month in Portugal at FEST in Espinho. The film was shot entirely on the island of Pico, Azores, and produced by Advogado do Diabo and MiratecArts, with support from the three municipalities of the mountainous island: Lajes do Pico, São Roque do Pico, and Madalena.

From MiratecArts Press Release

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 Publications at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks the Luso-American Education Foundation for their support.