Wilding
In "Wilding" we embark on a fascinating journey into the creation of a wildflower meadow, an ambitious project in the heart of the city of Oeiras where the City Council is aiming to counter the decline of pollinators in the estate of one of the most powerful and controversial ministers in the history of Portugal: Marques de Pombal.
As a dedicated team of biologists brings this wildflower meadow to life, the film uncovers other captivating moments. From capturing a barn owl residing in a historic building, symbolising urban wildlife resilience, to a biologist’s effort to foster a special bond with "his" wild bees at home, while planning to reintroduce them to the new meadow.
The documentary delves into the challenges confronted by this team as they repurpose the Marques' property, shedding light on their own personal growth and perspectives regarding green spaces in urban environments.
“Wilding” paints a vivid portrait of a city shaped by the legacy of Marques de Pombal’s agricultural vision and the power of collective action, urging viewers to reflect on the possibilities of harmonising urban development with the natural world within their own communities.
Country of Origin: Portugal
CAROLINA CASTRO ALMEIDA & MIGUEL CORTES COSTA , Directors
Carolina Castro Almeida, born in Chaves [1991], graduated in Painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Lisbon. She has been working in film production since 2015, contributing to festivals, events, advertising, soap operas, and various documentary and fiction films. In addition to her production work, Carolina is engaged in illustration and graphic design, creating promotional illustrations, children's books, scientific drawings, advertising storyboards, and movie posters.
Miguel Cortes Costa [1993] is an eight-year-experienced cameraman and biologist adviser for documentaries in Europe, Africa, and South America for national and international broadcasts. He co-directed his first documentary, “Malcata - The Tale of a Lonely Mountain Range” (2020), which was produced by Carolina Castro Almeida and received recognition at festivals, including a win at CineEco. It was broadcast nationally on SIC and showcased worldwide by the Instituto de Camões.
Following the global exhibition of “Malcata - The Tale of a Lonely Mountain Range” Carolina and Miguel founded the audiovisual production company LengaLenga Films, focusing on nature, history, and science. They have recently completed a new documentary, “Wilding” (2024), weaving together narratives about wild bees, urban green spaces, and Portugal's most controversial minister.
Director Statement
When the Oeiras City Council invited us to document the creation of a wild meadow for pollinators we hardly anticipated it to unfold into a three-year journey. Intrigued by the project, which was taking root on the historic estate of Marques de Pombal—the renowned minister behind Lisbon's post-1755 earthquake reconstruction—we found ourselves captivated by the lesser-known aspects of Portugal's history. At the same time, the biologists introduced us to the enthralling world of pollinators, particularly wild bees, revealing a complexity and affinity about Nature we often overlook.
Through contrasting voiceover historical narrations and compelling interviews, our film strives to spotlight the coexistence of grand historical legacies and the significance of small beings, like bees. With immersive visuals, we showcase the routines and importance of these pollinators, emphasising their crucial role in maintaining the World's balance.
The documentary is made up by interconnected layers, highlighting the vitality of preserving historical spaces and fostering wildlife sanctuaries in an evolving urban environment.