Alma

In a classroom dominated by technology and Artificial Intelligence, an introverted young man sets out to prove his worth with nothing more than a simple notebook.
During a college lecture, the professor challenges the students to write an original short story for a course assignment. To no one's surprise, the use of AI is permitted—after all, that is the reality of 2036. However, Xavier has a challenge of his own: he refuses to let his imagination be silenced by an algorithm.
Will the young man manage to overcome his creative block and demonstrate that the human mind still holds an edge over the machines?

  • João Rafael Cardantas
    Director
  • João Rafael Cardantas
    Writer
  • João Rafael Cardantas
    Producer
  • Dinis Freixo
    Key Cast
    "Xavier (Xavi)"
  • Susana Caramelo
    Key Cast
    "Filipa (Pipa)"
  • Marta China
    Key Cast
    "Professora"
  • Ricardo Petim
    Key Cast
    "Figurante 1"
  • Francisca Gomes
    Key Cast
    "Figurante 2"
  • Mara Caramelo
    Key Cast
    "Figurante 3"
  • João Rafael Cardantas
    Key Cast
    "Figurante 4"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 19 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 23, 2026
  • Country of Origin:
    Portugal
  • Country of Filming:
    Portugal
  • Language:
    Portuguese
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - João Rafael Cardantas

João Rafael Cardantas, born in Coimbra, Portugal. He enjoys creating stories and bringing them to life through audiovisual media. He has been creating short films since 2018, having participated in several competitions. There are now dozens of short films available on his YouTube channel Cardantas, as well as bloopers and behind the scenes. In addition to his hobby, his professional work also includes tasks such as planning and editing videos.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Alma" is both a prediction of the impact of Artificial Intelligence on academic life in the near future and a manifesto for human creativity and the entire process it entails. AI should be used as a supplement, but never as the sole tool when it comes to creating a work (regardless of the genre).