Idling afternoons and psychedelic moods immersed in music provide an adrenaline rush for drifting youth in Lisbon in DAMNED SUMMER, a docu-fiction hybrid from first-time Portuguese director Pedro Cabeleira. Chico's summer starts at home, with his grandparents, under the cover of the lemon trees; an outlet, the place of his childhood memories. But now, he belongs to Lisbon, where he just finished college and hopes to find a career. Part of a new generation, Chico has few prospects or expectations, and reaching adulthood seems to be perpetually delayed. Intoxicated nights of affections and heartbreak propel him into psychedelic hedonism, where burning anguish and aimlessness fuel his euphoria in this homage to the mysteries of youth.
Produced on a shoestring budget by creative collective Videolotion, shooting for DAMNED SUMMER began when Cabeleira was 21 years-old, intent on capturing an authentic and youthful Bohemian energy; the majority of his cast and crew was younger, with lead actor Pedro Marujo beginning as an non-actor with zero experience. Shot over 43 days spanning 7 months, DAMNED SUMMER premiered at Locarno International Film Festival, where it won a Special Mention - Filmmakers of the Present Award.