Between March and May of 2020, as Portugal faced the stillness of lockdown, director Filipe Correia dos Santos brought to life “L’axiome”, a thought-provoking short film that marked a return to his creative roots. Conceived as a solitary exercise of expression, the project reflects the director’s ability to weave artistry with historical context during a time of global uncertainty.
Set in a hauntingly desolate city, the film captures the dichotomy between the stillness of isolation and the looming unease of an unclear future. It parallels Lisbon’s 1755 earthquake, one of history’s transformative events, through Voltaire’s “Poème sur le désastre de Lisbonne”. Narrated with gravitas by José Albuquerque, the poem becomes a centerpiece of the film’s narrative depth.
The short features actor Ricardo Paz, with sound design meticulously crafted by Gil Amado. Its spare yet striking visuals and themes invite contemplation, creating a cinematic bridge between the echoes of history and the shared experience of a modern crisis. “L’axiome” serves as a quiet yet powerful exploration of resilience, memory, and humanity’s enduring ability to find meaning in chaos.