Changing Lives, One Child at a Time
In 2024 we will be embarking on a new creative project, a documentary film showcasing the unique beauty, landscapes and culture of São Tomé e Príncipe. Our film will reflect life through the eyes and narratives of the children and individuals we support.
In a place where hope often meets adversity, our mission is to shine a light on incredible stories of determination and resilience, captured through an impactful documentary that will inspire viewers to take action.
Our documentary delves deep into the heart of São Tomé e Príncipe, revealing the emotional and impactful aspects of our journey that go beyond the surface. It's not just a film, it's an intimate exploration of human rights and empowerment through music, education, health, environmental stewardship, and the magic of unity.
We will take viewers on a journey, hiking through cloud covered mountains and pristine rainforests, meandering through coffee and cocoa plantations nestled on mountain slopes, while exploring abandoned and decaying colonial mansions overgrown with nature.
Production Team
To create this film, we have teamed up with Dario Pequeno Paraíso, an award-winning film and documentary Producer/Director from São Tomé e Príncipe. Dário has focused on documenting issues of identity and post-colonial African people and cultures. He made several documentaries reflecting on human rights and environmental issues.
CNN, Tusk Conservation Awards (award given by Prince William), Lisbon Oceanarium, HELPO, OIKOS, among others, seek Dario Pequeno Paraiso's humanity and genuine visual references to tell stories.
Our Team includes Mauro Amaral, Artistic Director and Executive Producer; Catarina Sequeira, Production Coordinator and Location Manager; Paul Azevedo, Producer and Children and Youth Foundation Director; in addition to a team of four local photography, videography and production assistants, selected through a creative entrepreneurship competition held in São Tomé e Príncipe in 2023.
The Rizoma Orchestra and Music School, are supporting us with creating a soundtrack of original music performed by the children and youth orchestra, under the guidance of Clismar Carvalho, the Maestro and the lead music professor at Rizoma.
Filming will take place throughout the country, with a special focus on the larger island of São Tomé, where the majority of the population is located.
Africa's Galapagos
São Tomé e Príncipe is often referred to as ‘Africa’s Galapagos’ due to the endemic fauna and flora. The islands are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a place of extraordinary beauty, and home to some of the most biodiverse rainforests on the planet.
After more than 500 years, Portuguese colonial rule ended in 1975, however economic independence has stagnated for decades, placing São Tomé e Príncipe among the poorest nations in the world.
Mass emigration has left a critical problem in the country's demography, where 60% of the population is now under 18 years old. What remains is a ‘Lord of the Flies’ scenario, where the majority of children are left to their fate from an early age, to find their own means of subsistence and survival.
Who We Are
The Children and Youth Foundation of São Tomé e Príncipe (Fundação da Criança e Juventude), a non-profit humanitarian organisation, plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of children and their communities throughout the country.
One of our greatest achievements in 2023, was the establishment of Rizoma, the first Orchestra and School of Music and Arts in São Tomé e Príncipe. Our school is a unique institution, where children can develop their musical and artistic knowledge, while providing access to scholarships and cultural exchange programs.
How You Can Help
For this project to become a reality, we need to raise €14,000 euros. These funds will be allocated to different aspects of the project, to ensure its successful production, post-production, marketing and distribution costs, including filming and equipment costs, travel and accommodation for the film crew, and on-site production expenses.
During the production of the documentary, we will be creating a catalogue of images, reels, short videos and content, enabling us to be more creative with our marketing, advertising and fundraising campaigns.
Endorsements
The musical, artistic and educational programs we implemented this year have achieved great success among the general population, while gaining support and endorsement from media, music and tv personalities, UNICEF, cultural organisations and International diplomatic delegations.
These endorsements are a testament to the importance and impact of our work in São Tomé e Príncipe.
By contributing to our funding goal, you will play an essential role in making this documentary a reality and raising awareness about the vital work being carried out by the Children and Youth Foundation (FCJ) in São Tomé e Príncipe.
Please click on the links below to learn more about the Children and Youth Foundation and Rizoma Social Orchestra:
https://foundationstp.org/rizoma-project/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GojVOs8gKOU&t=45s
Please click on the link below to learn more about Dario Pequeno Paraíso, Mauro Amaral and Catarina Sequeira:
https://www.dariopequenoparaiso.com/info
https://linktr.ee/mauroamaralart
https://www.viajacomwodu.pt/sobrewodu/
For those who wish to make an extraordinary contribution to our documentary project and the Children and Youth Foundation (FCJ), please get in touch for further information on how to make a donation and to learn more about our educational projects and mission objectives.
Thank you so much for your support.
Children and Youth Foundation STP / Fundação da Criança e da Juventude São Tomé e Príncipe