Experiencing Interruptions?

The Colours of Grief

When Noemí left Escarigo in the 1960s, in pursuit of a better life, the streets were filled with life and joy. Now, the silence reigns in this rural Portuguese village. Seventeen years after her last visit to her hometown, we follow Noemí along on a journey where she rediscovers places, faces and memories in an almost empty village that she barely recognises anymore. With the help of the few residents left and longtime friends, Noemí dives into her past while trying to overcome the loss of those she loves.

  • Mariana Lima Mateus
    Director
  • Mariana Lima Mateus
    Producer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    As Cores do Luto (Portuguese)
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 52 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 2, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    200 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Portugal
  • Country of Filming:
    Portugal
  • Language:
    Portuguese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.90
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of the Arts London
  • Directed by Women Turkey
    Istambul
    Turkey
    September 15, 2024
    Turkish Premiere
    Best Documentary Film Award
  • Olhares do Mediterrâneo
    Lisbon
    Portugal
    November 3, 2024
    Audience Award - Best Short Film
  • Triste Para Sempre
    Lisbon
    Portugal
    December 14, 2024
    Audience Award
  • Sunday Shorts
    Lisbon
    Portugal
    February 23, 2025
    Audience Award (February)
  • Heritales - International Heritage Film Festival
    Lisbon
    Portugal
    October 25, 2024
    Portuguese
    Official Selection - Documentary Competition
  • Madrid Indie Film Festival • MADRIFF
    Madrid
    Spain
    June 20, 2024
    World / European Premiere
    Official Selection - Documentary Competition
  • LA Independent Women Film Awards
    Los Angeles
    United States
    Official Selection - Best Student Film Category
  • International Bienal Dona i Cinema 2025
    Valencia
    Spain
    February 22, 2025
    Official Selection (part of Invited Festival, Olhares do Mediterrâneo, cycle)
  • Cine Amadora 2025
    Lisbon
    Portugal
    March 8, 2025
    Official Selection (part of Invited Festival, Olhares do Mediterrâneo, cycle)
Director Biography - Mariana Lima Mateus

Mariana Lima Mateus is a filmmaker from Lisbon, Portugal. She has always been passionate about film and photography and its ability to shed light on moving and inspiring stories, bringing to discussion relevant topics that could lead to social change.
Mariana moved to London in 2022 where she completed a Master in Documentary Film at the University of the Arts London. It was during her time at the London College of Communication that she directed, shot and edited her first short documentary "The Colours of Grief", where we follow Noemí on a journey back to her hometown, Escarigo, an almost empty Portuguese village, previously filled with life.

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