Projects in development
Vanda
Synopsis
Vanda, a woman of rigid routines, navigates through her solitude while observing Luanda and its inhabitants. Her life is divided between work and moments of introspection within the comfort of her home in the city. Between consultations, Vanda deals with patients facing various issues: a couple in dispute, a young woman seeking her mother's approval, a mysterious man who remains silent throughout the session, and a deeply depressed woman. On the paved streets of Luanda, Vanda confronts poverty, pain, and suffering with a direct gaze and also recognizes the resilience and joy that emanates from the city's diverse figures. At night, her home is her refuge, a space of safety. During the day, this same space is inhabited by her maid, Luísa. The disappearance of a cat and Vanda’s interactions with Luísa reveal the complexity and intimacy of her private world, contrasting with her responsibility of tending to the emotions of others.
Wonder Maria Filmes (Portugal)
Fernanda Polacow
Uika Filmes (Angola)
Kamy Lara
Director’s statement
Vanda is utterly personal, yet a necessary perspective deeply rooted in my context. It addresses two fundamental issues: social inequalities in Luanda's city center and limited access to mental health in Angola. Through Vanda's observant gaze, an upper-middle-class individual interested in the lives of the less privileged, I expose stark social disparities. Inspired by my fascination with the therapeutic process, the film incorporates a psychologist's role, reflecting on the lack of mental-health services. The tone of Vanda will be contemplative and introspective, mirroring Vanda's mental state. The film captures Luanda during the Cacimbo (cold season), using a gray palette to convey melancholy and isolation. The film will meticulously depict the mundane, repetitive tasks that fill Vanda’s days, highlighting the sense of monotony and the passage of time. This approach allows for a feel of the weight of her suppressed grief and her gradual journey towards confronting it.
Biographies
Kamy Lara is an Angolan filmmaker with 15 years of experience. Her career is marked by projects that provoke reflection and foster important dialogue in contemporary Angola. In 2019, she directed Para lá dos meus passos, a documentary exploring identity and transformation through contemporary dance. It was screened at more than 20 festivals and received several awards. In 2024, she directed Fuckin’ Globo, a documentary capturing the behind-the-scenes of a multidisciplinary art exhibition at the iconic Hotel Globo in Luanda. It is now touring festivals.
Fernanda Polacow is a Brazilian creative and development producer, writer, and script consultant. She has over 13 years’ experience in the film industry, playing discrete roles on various projects, from fiction to documentary to series. She is interested in projects that connect different parts of the world directed by powerful voices.
