film BY the sea William Vitoria’s “MAR (The Sea)” makes its US debut at Come Out With Pride
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JErEMY WILLIAMS
ome out With Pride and QLatinx present reel Pride, an screening of the international LGBTQ short film, “MAr,” on Tuesday of Pride week. “MAr” is directed by PortugueseCanadian filmmaker William Vitoria. Vitoria was born in Toronto, where he lived until he was seven years old, then moved to Portugal. He moved back to Toronto 14 years later.” While living in Toronto, Vitoria saw a film that led him to make “MAr.” “I watched a film called ‘Cast no Shadow,’ it’s a Canadian film that was filmed in newfoundland,” he recalls. 42 C o m e o u t W i t h P r i d e 2 0 1 8
“The movie was good but the film’s location really got me. I thought, ‘I want to show an audience how beautiful Portugal is.’” Vitoria began work on “MAr,” meaning “The Sea” in Portuguese. “MAr” is the story of a gay couple who visit a childhood friend in Portugal, who is carrying a dark secret. Vitoria, who is openly gay, says the film is a gay love story, and explores themes of longing and betrayal. “MAr” received international acclaim, but reel Pride will be the film’s u.S. debut. Vitoria will be at the screening for a Q&A session after the film.