Black Europe Film Festival

Director Denise Fernandes will join virtually from Europe for a post-screening conversation.

ABOUT THE FILM

“A form of cosmogonic fable where learning to live is a matter of pure immersion in the world and mystical world of this lost island. The magnetism of the shots and the distinctive sound texture make HANAMI one of the great sub-Saharan films.” —Vincent Malausa, Les Cahiers du cinéma

Shot on—and set in—the remote Cape Verdean archipelago, HANAMI is a luminous coming-of-age fable. Filmed on the island of Fogo (“Fire”), the film features a cast largely made up of non-actors in their first on-screen roles, alongside French-Cape Verdean actress Alice da Luz and Japanese actor Yuta Nakano. This blend of place, professional performers, and first-time actors creates an immersive, unforgettable experience—one that might even warm a cold Minnesota night.

On a volcanic island where everyone longs to leave, Nana learns how to stay. Her mother, Nia—afflicted by a mysterious illness—left shortly after Nana’s birth. When Nana is struck by a high fever, she is sent to the volcano’s foot for treatment, entering a world suspended between dreams and reality. Years later, as Nana reaches adolescence, Nia returns. This story of staying and return—along with the film’s playful, meaningful connection to Japan—makes borders feel ephemeral rather than fixed.

HANAMI is among the rare feature-length fiction films shot in Cape Verde, and among the first made by a Cape Verdean woman director.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Director: Denise Fernandes (b. 1990) was born in Lisbon to Cape Verdean parents and grew up in Switzerland. Her short film Nha Mila (2020) premiered at Locarno and screened internationally, including at BEFF2025. HANAMI is her feature debut and has received wide international acclaim and prizes.