João Caçador

On his deathbed, His Majesty Alfredo, King without a crown, is taken back to distant youth memories from the time when he dreamt of becoming a fireman. His encounter with instructor Afonso from the fire brigade, opens a new chapter in the life of the two young men devoted to love and desire, and the will to change the status quo.

Set against the backdrop of a traditional Portuguese society, Fado Bicha (trans)forms heteronormative Fado music into a queer labyrinth of self-acceptance and self-expression. By reclaiming the scars that homophobia and transphobia have given them, Fado Bicha exposes what Fado music could have been if society were more accepting.

This is Justine Lemahieu’s encounter over several years with Lila and João, the two artists and activists from Fado Bicha band, whose songs embody and give voice to LGBTQIA+ stories and struggles. Backstage, words and glances intersect, questioning our relationship with appearances, gender norms, language, and sexuality.