BBFF2022 Meet the Filmmaker: Marco Espirito Santo
Heaven is on my side
Marco Espirito Santo is a writer/ director who has created a short film on gratitude and big-wave surfing featuring João “Massas” de Macedo, “Heaven is on my Side” is simultaneously a documentary and a meditation on environmental consciousness through Macedo's experience at the world’s biggest wave in Nazaré, Portugal.
How did you come to discover the story and journey you wanted this film to take?
I had been wanting to document my friend João’s big-wave surfing for a while and during one of last year’s Covid lockdowns here in Portugal I noticed there was a massive swell headed for Nazaré, so we literally broke the law and drove 2 hours north to go shoot him catching some bombs there. João got me a fake “work authorisation” document in case I saw cops on the way but fortunately I didn’t have to use it! At that point in time the structure for the film had not yet taken proper shape in my mind, but I knew I wanted to shoot on Super 8 and that it had to include João surfing the wave, so that first day we just got some shots of him gearing up and heading out, and catching a wave or two. Weeks later, when the film finally came back from the lab, I watched what I had and the idea of focusing on João’s relationship with nature, and that wave in particular, started to take shape. Then I discovered Reverend Lavon Boatner’s sermon and it all started to come together - faith and gratitude towards a greater power, be that the universe, or simply nature, would be the theme. From there on I shot everything else with that in mind. I must have gone up to Nazaré another 5-6 times after that, including on some XXL competition days, which were truly amazing to watch.
Have you always wanted to be a filmmaker?
Not really! I got into poetry when I moved from a small town in Portugal to New York City to go to Uni to study business. I just started experimenting with writing and found poetry to be a useful and very creative tool in helping me to make sense of that new reality, to understand myself and my surroundings. Then I got into watching lots of independent films and took a screenwriting course, and that kicked off the idea of becoming a screenwriter. So I went to film school to learn the "language of film" so I could do that. But I fell in love with the visual side and started directing shorts and taking lots of photos, which was a really great way of developing a stronger visual sense. After film school it took a few years and sidesteps to develop a reel but eventually I managed and that got me into directing commercials and branded films, which I have been doing ever since, while still making shorts and now developing what will be my first feature doc.
As a filmmaker what is your favourite memory and challenge you had in the process of creating this film?
My funnest part in making this film was shooting João riding those massive waves at Nazaré, especially on competition days, because it was a total rollercoaster ride of emotions. Besides worrying for his safety, everything was pretty tricky. Of course the ocean gives you the waves it wants when and where it chooses and there are no second takes. But you also have to contend with the spray, the wind, the glare, and the fact that in the afternoon they are backlit, which make for beautiful shining crests but cast big shadows on the wave which in turn makes it really hard to see what you’re shooting, especially through a tiny Super 8 camera! We would also run out of film just as João was about to catch a wave, the camera would jam, etc. So not for the faint of heart I would say, but thrilling nonetheless!
Why do you think short films are an important medium to explore creativity through?
Short film is an incredibly important medium. It is a way for filmmakers of all ages to learn the skills they need to make long-form projects of course, but to me, more importantly, it is super important as a medium for personal growth and experimentation. Shorts can help you find your voice as a filmmaker, which is the single most important thing to have.
What is next for you in the future?
I have a few short branded content docs I am finishing up, and I am gearing up to give the development of my debut feature doc my full attention.
What is your biggest creative influence on your filmmaking style?
I think I am influenced by a variety of artists across multiple disciplines. Here are just some of the names, past and present: e.e. cummings, Fernando Pessoa, Jim Jarmusch, Charles Bukowski, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Robert Frank, Monty Python, George Carlin, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Robert Rauschenberg, Pink Floyd, Kristoffer Borgli, Jan Gleie, and Stacey Peralta.
What is a piece of advice you can give to all aspiring filmmakers?
“Find your own voice, no matter how long that takes”.
I have a wonderful impression of BBFF despite never having attended in person. It seems to have built a really solid festival with a great reputation, and I am super honoured to screen my work there.
Film festivals, I think they are vital to the industry and to bringing lesser-seen work to audiences around the world. There are so many great films I have seen at festivals over the years that I would never have seen otherwise.
