Private Project

Sikat Subar - A Hidden Colorful Feather

A journey into a millennia-old and controversial practice in Timor-Leste and its impact on society, from the struggle for independence and dispute resolution to ceremonial practices, economy, employment, public health, and gender dynamics. A profound insight on the complexities of a post-conflict society in one of the youngest countries in the world.

  • Diogo Pessoa de Andrade
    Director
    Dawid Tomaszewski "Fantastic Voyage" - 2021 Righteous Among The Nations Global Mural project - 2021 STONES ON THE PATH - 2017 PAROVEL - 2016 Lisbon we can enjoy life! - 2015 Gesto de Amor - 2011 Bom, muito bom, supréme... - 2011 Estou para aqui assim... - 2010 Olho de Boi... - 2010 Si esta plaza fuera una persona (if this plaza was a person) - 2006
  • Diogo Pessoa de Andrade
    Writer
  • Diogo Pessoa de Andrade, Lurdes Pires
    Producer
  • Lurdes Pires
    Producer
  • Victor Santos
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    culture, tradition, heritage, social, history, current affaires
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 34 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 23, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Portugal
  • Country of Filming:
    Timor-Leste
  • Language:
    English, Other, Portuguese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4K DCI
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.90:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Diogo Pessoa de Andrade

Diogo Pessoa de Andrade, a versatile Portuguese filmmaker, director, and cinematographer with a background in mechanical engineering and extensive multimedia and digital cinema training, has earned international acclaim for his captivating storytelling.

His journey into visual storytelling commenced in his early years, as he began experimenting with analog video cameras before the age of 10. Few years later he embraced visual arts and painting and the emerging multimedia software.

His diverse portfolio includes collaborations with renowned brands, agencies, and production companies, creating compelling content for advertising, corporate communications, music videos, live performances, and informative productions.

His early involvement in visual arts led to partnerships with institutions and NGOs, championing awareness campaigns, education, and human rights. Diogo is skilled in social documentaries, recognized at various festivals, with "Sikat Subar" as his debut feature film—a self-produced, five-year labor of love and dedication.

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Director Statement

In creating 'Sikat Subar', I was drawn into the profound symbolism of the rooster within Timor-Leste's rich cultural tapestry. This feature-length documentary ventures deep into the heart of Timor-Leste, exploring not just the practice of cockfighting, but its intricate role within the nation’s social, economic, and ethical realms.

The tradition of cockfighting, deeply ingrained in the Timorese way of life, serves as more than a controversial sport; it acts as a vital economic lifeline and a coping mechanism for many men amidst widespread unemployment and socio-economic instability. This practice, performed both covertly and overtly, commands significant social engagement, affecting family dynamics and societal roles within a predominantly patriarchal structure.

'Sikat Subar' provides a critical examination of how this tradition balances with modern ethical concerns, including animal welfare and economic dependency. It invites viewers to contemplate the complex interplay between age-old customs and contemporary societal needs.

The film delves into Timor-Leste's vibrant but challenging history, shaped by centuries of colonization and a fervent struggle for independence. Through the lens of the ubiquitous rooster, 'Sikat Subar' crafts a vivid social portrait of one of the world’s youngest nations, highlighting the resilience and spirit of its people.

Ultimately, 'Sikat Subar' is intended to ignite discussions on the complexities of tradition versus ethics, offering a window into the Timorese people's enduring struggles and resilience. It is my hope that this documentary will not only inform but also inspire viewers to appreciate the nuanced realities of Timor-Leste's ongoing journey towards cultural preservation and socio-economic development.