Descarrilados: A Historical Animation

Project Overview

The piece reflects on the decades in which Portugal was subjected to the oppressive dictatorship of António de Oliveira Salazar, under which freedom of speech and action were stifled.

This animation serves as both an illustrative and educational work, aiming to capture the absurdity and suffocating nature of such repression through a fantastical lens. In this short film, we sought to convey the weight of these restrictions and the absurdity of life under authoritarian rule, creating a narrative that is impactful and accessible to new generations.

Tools Used: Blender, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Illustrator, Procreate

Project Duration: University 4th semester 2024

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Watch the Trailer

Short Movie Synopsis

It's a cold November night, and the city lies still. Few people are out, few lights remain—but Salazar's eyes and ears are everywhere, alert for anyone who dares to cross the line, to speak forbidden thoughts.

On this winter night, two friends risk everything. Memories resurface, emotions stir, and a shared longing to break free takes hold. They sit down to play a simple game of cards, but each hand dealt and every word spoken carries weight. In this game, they discover just how dangerous a conversation can be, how it has the power to spark change—and why Salazar fights so hard to silence it. But where can they go now? Is there any place left to hide?

Concept and Creation of the Sets

I'll introduce the three main environments that set the stage for our story, each carefully crafted to reflect the historical essence of the era we're representing. Modeled entirely in Blender, these spaces capture the details and atmosphere of 1950s Lisbon with precision.

First, there's the Santa Apolónia train station in Lisbon, carefully modeled to embody its 1950s architecture. This is where the journey begins, as the characters board the "Foguete." The vibrant bar and maze provide the contrast into the surreal card world.

Character Design

The animation features six faceless characters, each designed to represent broader themes. Their lack of faces symbolizes the universality of their roles, helping the audience connect with the story.

The King, Queen, and two men on the train represent the Portuguese people's fight for freedom, while the Jack and the PIDE agents embody the oppressive regime. The final stylized shaders add the animated card look.

Merch Overview

To promote our video, we created a visually striking A3 poster and an A4 flyer, inspired by the minimalist aesthetic of Saul Bass.

The poster incorporates elements from the animation, with a bold color scheme of red and dark blue. It includes key details like the title, event location (Escola Secundária Marquês de Pombal), date (coming in July), and the producer (Entrelinhas).

Photo Gallery

Behind the scenes moments and additional imagery from the production process.

Credits

A collaborative effort by a talented team of students and creators.