During the creation process, the director delved into Gaglo’s official and institutional tourist itineraries, reflecting on these profound contrasts between the state narrative and the voices that seek to rescue African memory in the country. THE The result of the work is a film that proposes a historical, political and human debate about Portuguese identity and the persistence of racism, also from the perspective of white people.
“Talking about racism is a white job. I don’t speak for people, but I think that discussing what we caused is part of the collective of white people. The film is an attempt to bring this topic to the social agenda, without extremes, but with honesty”, he explains.
Culture as a tool for social transformation
In addition to reflecting on the past in It’s not water under the bridge, Viviane also reflects on the current inequalities in the country. One of them, which the newspaper refers to, happened to his daughter, a victim of racial discrimination in Portugal, whose case was closed by the courts.
“She was persecuted, accused of stealing a Belgian man’s card. We went to court and there came a time when I gave up. Racism here is not a crime, and it is very sad to see that, if we don’t talk about it, it doesn’t exist. It’s as if there is no race — and if there is no race, there is no racism”, he points out.
For the director, films like They are not water under the bridge they can and should constitute an educational act, a tool for social transformation. In Portuguese society, art must play a preponderant role, although reflections and teachings must also come from the country’s educational program.
“Change has to start with school textbooks. This is where the next generation is formed with a critical eye. It’s not erasing any part, but it’s also not denying another. Art and education play this role — of reflecting and provoking without further exposing those who are already suffering”, he points out.
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Filmin’s Short Revolutions exhibition, where Viviane’s documentary is shown, runs until next Saturday (18). To vote on the production of the Brazilian immigrant — available at this link — the public must watch the film and, later, leave a review on the platform (the cut-off score is seven points out of ten). The winner of the Popular Jury is selected for a festival in Spain.