Miguel Ribeiro debuted as director of a short film about the waves of the island of Madeira. A film that was his final project in a media course.
What inspired this film?
Miguel Ribeiro: It started because we have big waves in Madeira, it is a very good passing point and it was not publicized and begins to be, but the purpose it was to disclosed it. Show all types of waves from beginners up to professionals in this area and so the film.
It is a documentary that addresses the opinions of many surfers in the region?
MR: No, I spoke with one who was regional champion in 2007 Yannick D' Oliveira, who participated in national and world championships. It is a person who knows the island, he is been surfing since childhood and it is my friend. We recorded images of him surfing and there was still room for an interview about Madeira in terms of surfing. It was a plus for my project because he had a large experience.
You mentioned that videotaped in the water, what are the challenges of this type of shooting?
MR: The challenges of shooting on the water in the first place are to have a vast knowledge of the sea, I do bodybord in Madeira where there are very strong currents and we have to take some care. Then you need a good preparation and it is essential a personal liking.
It was necessary to take into account a certain time to be able to shoot?
MR: Yes, usually we waited for the low tide for practicing the sport. It is when you have less water in the background and the waves are tubular. We use those times. Then also depends on whether the tide is in the morning or evening, sometimes I got to surf at Paul do Mar after the 20 hours until the 22hours.
How long did you shoot the film?
MR: I started in early 2011 and finished in May of the same year. The editing was completed in June , took so long in terms of filming , because we wanted to catch the best days, the longer ones, the less cloudy and we had to follow the weather.
After showing this movie all over the world , which is the feedback you receive from people in general , are very surprised or not ?
MR: Some people off the island, yes, they are very surprised. In Madeira there is this notion that there are large waves, there is this an opening and a favorably look upon this idea of being a good surfing destination. I do bodybord for five years and met a lot of people in the water and every time I see more new faces in the sea which is a good sign.
