There are Monsters in the Dark

On a farm in the north of Portugal, where the past and present mix, a mother and a daughter, in a fight for reconciliation, try to overcome the anguish that still torments them.

  • Luís Cardoso Pacheco
    Director
  • Luís Cardoso Pacheco
    Writer
  • Luís Carlos Albuquerque
    Writer
  • Tomás Fidalgo
    Writer
  • Luís Carlos Albuquerque
    Producer
  • Inês Sincero
    Key Cast
    "Daughter"
  • Ana Vargas
    Key Cast
    "Mother"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Há Monstros na Escuridão
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 9, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,100 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Portugal
  • Country of Filming:
    Portugal
  • Language:
    Portuguese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Universidade Católica do Porto
Director Biography - Luís Cardoso Pacheco

Born on February 4th, 2002, Luís Cardoso Pacheco, born and resident of the municipality of Porto, began his first years of learning at the Escola Básica de 1ª CEB da Ponte. Completed the 2nd and 3rd cycle at Escola Básica de 2º and 3º CEB Francisco Torrinha. He then completed secondary school at Escola Secundária with 3rd Cycle of Basic Education Garcia de Orta in the area of science and technology. Luís studied English at the British Council, finishing in 2018 with a Cambridge English Level 1. In 2020, he started a degree in Cinema at the School of Arts of the Portuguese Catholic University of Porto. In this degree, Luís collaborated with his colleagues in several cinematographic projects of fiction, documentaries, experimental, audiovisual essays and others.

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Director Statement

A child does not have great responsibilities, as he is supported and sustained by his parents, which gives him a certain security. The adult must answer for his actions, but he has freedom and independence. The transition between these two stages of life is the young adult stage, which is marked by uncertain moments. In this moment of decision and discoveries, there is an attempt not to grow. Emotional difficulties are repressed. Grief and loss are difficult to move through and escape. However, it is necessary to seek support from friends and family. The courage to speak with others is what demonstrates true growth, when you try to explain what seems incomprehensible. “There are Monster in the Dark” tries to portray someone trapped in this limbo.