Natasha Craveiro recently returned from Switzerland, where she participated in the Open Doors program at the Locarno Festival, which supports filmmakers from countries with fragile film infrastructures. Her experience at this prestigious international independent cinema platform sparked a discussion about identity, creation, and Cape Verde's place in global cinema. Craveiro argues that it is possible to engage with the world and achieve recognition without losing one's roots. She emphasizes the need for a supportive state ecosystem to help solidify the film industry in Cape Verde. Her project, 'dja branku dja', is a hybrid feature film that explores colonial trauma and post-colonial identity through her family's story. Craveiro believes that cinema can reflect urgent societal issues and facilitate honest dialogue about shared pain. She also highlights the success of her previous work, 'Pirinha', which has been showcased in numerous festivals.