Solidarity is easy when structurally nothing is missing

In this 3.34 hour film we follow a white man from Europe in Western Africa.  Sergio (Sergio Coragem) drives through the desert from Portugal to  Guinea and lands, literally, into the different social segments that inhabit the country and Bissau´s social diversity.

Sandstorms are present in the first part of the film in which Sergio learns he has to write an impact assessment report in a hurry after the project to build a new road, his predecessor didn´t do it and disappeared in unclear circumstances.  The story revolves on this, considering the social impact and points of view of the people (locals and foreigners) involved; with doses of racism and classism.

There are Muslims, white Europeans, Africans, ONG  members, social gatherings, spirits, and hallucinogens.  Sergio works at CASA ONG, it has projects like growing rice with new techniques or introducing the latrine system to  communites. By the way, there is a curious question of a woman villager asking Sergio if it is true that in Lisboa they put drinking water in the toilet…  to get an idea of the adverse reality natives live in.

While being there, Sergio  meets and interacts with Diára (Cleo Diára) and Guilherme (Jonathan Guilherme)  in a exotic and exciting frame that has room for contradictions too.   

Diára remarks about her people being cursed because of where they were born, not having their basic needs satisfied. 

The film is a stark portrait of life in Western Africa, a place where there are opposing interest of many people and concerns of those who aspire for a better present and future.

Written and directed by Pedro Pinho, premiered at Cannes Film Festival  2025 Un Certain Regard section and nominated for a Queer Palm with Cleo Diára winning  best performance,