Hi there!

We are a team of international filmmakers from Brazil, Armenia, Austria, Serbia, Finland, and Peru, currently completing Kino Eyes – The European Film Masters. Together, we’re creating our graduation short film Em Chamas, a deeply human story about the healing power of connection. Shooting will take place at the end of November in Lisbon, Portugal.

Why this story matters

In a world that often feels fast, overwhelming, and isolating, Em Chamas gives voice to something many of us experience but rarely talk about. Through our main character's journey, we explore themes of vulnerability and resilience through the lens of magical realism.

Supporting this film means helping us tell a story that resonates universally, that speaks to young people and adults alike, and that contributes to a wider cultural conversation about mental health.

About the film

Em Chamas follows João, a quiet 13-year-old boy who feels strangely detached from the world around him. While the city rushes by, João drifts along, unnoticed, even by his mother, who is consumed by work. When his struggles at school finally force her to intervene, João is pushed into therapy. There, he meets Mariana, a woman carrying her own hidden wounds. Between them grows a fragile bond, told through moments that blur reality and imagination.

Why we need your support

This is an ambitious production. To bring João’s world to life, we need multiple locations, carefully designed production logistics and set design, special effects on set, visual effects in post-production, and eventually, festival distribution. Our current budget is €6,000, but to fully realize our vision, we need to raise an additional €4,000.

Why you can trust us

Like any film production, Em Chamas comes with its own set of challenges. As part of Kino Eyes, we’ve been trained and mentored by film professionals across Europe. Each of us has already worked on multiple short films and international productions during the program, building a strong track record of completing challenging projects with limited resources. We know how to deliver, and we are fully committed to bringing Em Chamas to life.

Other ways you can help

We know that not everyone is in a position to contribute financially, and that's alright. Thank you for being here and showing interest in our project! You can still make a huge difference by helping us spread the word. Share our campaign with your friends, family, and networks, and help us reach people who might connect with this story. Every share, like, and conversation helps bring this project closer to life.

Thank you!

With your support, we’ll be able to elevate the film’s quality, giving João’s story the artistic scale and emotional depth it deserves. Thank you for believing in us and helping us bring Em Chamas to the screen. And remember: "Smoke appears both when a fire starts and just before it goes out."