Hanami, the debut feature film by director Denise Fernandes—who was born in Lisbon to Cape Verdean parents—delicately explores themes of belonging, departure, and the connection to one’s homeland. Part coming-of-age story, part island chronicle, the film unfolds a world suspended between reality and imagination, set against the volcanic landscapes of Cape Verde.
On a remote island that many wish to leave, Nana grows up with her family, while her mother, Nia, left shortly after her birth. When the child comes down with a high fever, she is sent to the foot of a volcano to be treated. There, she undergoes an experience marked by a sensitive connection to her surroundings, hovering between reality and imagination. Years later, now a teenager, Nia’s return brings her absence back into focus and reshapes family relationships.
Through Nana’s journey, *Hanami* explores themes of departure, attachment to one’s homeland, and intergenerational bonds, against a backdrop marked by departures and migration.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with the director, Denise Fernandes.
Denise Fernandes was born in Lisbon in 1990 to Cape Verdean parents and grew up in Switzerland (Ticino). In 2011, she earned a degree in film directing and production from the International Conservatory of Audiovisual Sciences in Lugano (CISA). That same year, her short film *Una Notte* premiered at the 64th Locarno Film Festival. From 2011 to 2013, she studied filmmaking at the International School of Film and Television (EICTV) in Cuba, where she directed the short film Pan Sin Mermelada, which was selected for numerous awards. In 2020, she directed theshort film Nha Mila, which was screened at numerous festivals.
Hanami by Denise Fernandes (Cape Verde, Switzerland, Portugal, 2024, 96 min)
