Inside, Outside Brazil

IIn recent years, Portugal’s immigration services have recorded an influx of around 400,000 Brazilian immigrants, who today represent approximately 40% of the country’s foreign population.

Even with the passing of time, geographical distance does not fully break the political, emotional, and symbolic ties with one’s place of origin. Migratory bureaucracy, long regularization processes, and the frequent feeling of not belonging often lead many Brazilians abroad to feel more connected to Brazil than to the country where they live.

This project, created within the Television course of the Master’s program in Communication Sciences — specialization in Cinema and Television at NOVA FCSH, documents the political fervor that marked a decisive moment for Brazilians both inside and outside the country. The 2022 elections were a political milestone and also a reflection of the polarization that divided the nation between Lula’s left and Bolsonaro’s far right. This ideological divide fragmented families and communities, leaving deep marks on Brazil’s social and political fabric.

On October 22, I — also in the condition of a Brazilian immigrant — voted and then turned on the camera. From that moment on, I recorded testimonies of anguish, hope, political fervor, and disagreement throughout the election day. Our crew, formed by two women with minimal equipment (a camera, a tripod, and a sound recorder), was frequently mistaken for a live broadcast team from major television networks.

The film concludes with the collective emotions of that day: a wave of celebration followed by a disorienting silence. No one could predict what would come next. The need to revisit this archival material emerges from the speed and gravity of the events that unfolded after the election.

“Dentro, fora do Brasil” is a documentary record — almost impulsive — made with very limited resources, beyond borrowed equipment, of this historical moment.