The hard life of shellfish collectors in Vila do Bispo will be made known during the III Perceve Festival, which runs from 12th to 14th of September, in that county in the southwest of the Algarve, through various exhibitions of the documentary «Sons of a Greater Sea» by Carlos Vaz, which “shows the struggle and the risks” of those who dedicate themselves to this life on the Costa Vicentina.
Over three days, this project will be presented in its entirety, several times a day, in the pavilion of the EB2,3 School of São Vicente de Vila do Bispo, where the event will take place.
The documentary portrays barnacle harvesting on the steep and rugged cliffs of the Costa Vicentina and has as protagonists José Seromenho Barata, “the Amola”, António Jorge Baptista, “the Cachola”, brothers António Ramos and José Ramos former shellfish collectors. The remaining participants are the current professionals and members of the Vila do Bispo Shellfish Association.
“The tides determine the rhythm of life of these men, the difficulties they face, the dangers they run and the violence of the barnacle capture. There are generations of shellfish gatherers, there are those who have left a good job and the comfort of the city to dedicate themselves to this life. Is it worth the risk?”, question the authors throughout the film.
«This project, carried out by the Association of Shellfish Collectors of Vila do Bispo and the Municipal Council of Vila do Bispo, aims to preserve and manage this product so appreciated by many, the barnacle, as well as acquisition of its certification and labelling, achieved through an application to the PROMAR program», revealed the Vila do Bispo Council.
Directed by Carlos Vaz, the film features interviews conducted by Alexandra Trindade and images by Miguel Veterano and Rodrigo Corteseano.
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