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Through the Path of Darkness

In search of glory, Portuguese Major Afonso Ferreira sees himself consumed in the deepest darkness of the Congo.

Directed by the Gandum brothers, "Through the Path of Darkness" is a short-film based on their graphic novel "Congo: Through the Path of Darkness", which follows the unexpected and dangerous journey by Portuguese explorers into the unknown Congo region by the end of the 19th century.

  • Duarte Gandum
    Director
    "Wirehead" - Monkey Flag
  • Henrique Gandum
    Director
  • Duarte Gandum
    Writer
  • Henrique Gandum
    Writer
  • Duarte Gandum
    Producer
  • Henrique Gandum
    Producer
  • Manuel Santiago
    Producer
  • Pedro Lima
    Key Cast
    "Major Afonso Ferreira"
  • Miguel Valle
    Key Cast
    "Aristides Sousa"
  • Raul Muta
    Key Cast
    "Native"
  • Pedro Wallenstein
    Key Cast
    "King Luís I of Portugal"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    No Caminho Das Trevas
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Adventure, Mistery, Fantasy
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 29, 2019
  • Country of Origin:
    Portugal
  • Country of Filming:
    Portugal
  • Language:
    Portuguese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, RED, Sony, Blackmagic
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Duarte Gandum, Henrique Gandum

Duarte Gandum (left), 21, is a young filmmaker from Portugal who has been working in visual effects for advertising and cinema for almost 4 years. Two-time participant in Fantasporto Film Festival before the age of 18, and co-author of "Congo" graphic novel series. In August 2019, won two awards (Best Music Video and Best Director in a Music Video) for "Wirehead" by the band Monkey Flag at Figueira Film Art.

Henrique Gandum right), 23, is an illustrator and concept/storyboard artist from Portugal. Known for being the author of the "Congo" graphic novel series, he graduated in 2D/3D Animation at Professional Image School and has two degrees in illustration and narrative at Fine Arts School from Lisbon. In 2015, won the first prize for the short film "Cretácio" from CMTV.

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Director Statement

"Through the Path of Darkness" is an adaptation from scenes of our graphic novel "Congo: Through the Path of Darkness". Our goal was to create a believable setting in where mythical creatures exist lurking in the darkest regions of the Congo, as well as giving a good premise of what to expect from the unexpected.

We were faced with tons of challenges from day 1, given that we are two fully independent filmmakers who were willing to take huge risks in order to have a short of the highest quality and fidelity possible. Our vision could not be compromised, we had written the scenes for the book and we wanted to see them on screen.

As production wrapped, we knew this would be the most challenging post-production task we had ever faced. We spent countless hours on visual effects work, from making legendary creatures to adding fake furniture and props in order to enrich the overall setting of the film.

We are proud of what we have accomplished. We want to share a glimpse of this story with the world and we believe this short serves its purpose.