“CORAÇÃO NA BOCA” PREMIERES

“Ljubomir Stanišić – Coração na Boca”, a documentary film by Mónica Franco, premieres on November 21st at Porto / Post / Doc film festival.

In the 100 minutes film, 10 years of shooting are condensed. Between 2010 and 2020, between Portugal and Sarajevo, between the kitchen doors and the multiple windows of the Bosnian-born chef’s life. A look on an “American dream” made reality in Europe. On an emigrant who, fleeing a too recent war, discovered peace and stardom in Portugal.

It’s a look at the life of the rebellious kid who crossed Europe with just over 100 euros in his pocket and 20 years later owns two restaurants in Lisbon and is a media success. A documentary about gastronomy and the chef, but also about a “refugee” who overcame the stigma of being an emigrant through the power of work.

In addition to the cook, we get to know Ljubomir, a researcher, a lover of Portugal and Portuguese products, taster and winemaker, who learns to mold glass to design his plates, tastes coffee to create the perfect blend, signs books and hosts tv shows.

We take a sneak peek into the restless soul of this “Portuguese-Yugoslavian” born in 1978. We meet the child and the man: the father, the son, the husband, the cook, the friend, the TV host. The most intimate side of this controversial public figure…

“Ljubomir Stanišić – Coração na Boca” is the first feature film by Mónica Franco, who directs, produces and signs the script, and the first time that the chef takes on the protagonist role in the cinema.

It is a piece with different rhythms, marked by the original music of Rodrigo Leão and The Legendary Tigerman, full of energy and adrenaline, but also with pauses to swallow hard.

There is space to reflect about the value of life – and at the same time about its fleetingness – but it is not just the words that tell this story. We feel sadness, yes. But also faith. In life and in love. And in the power of forgiveness.

After the mini-series format was streamed on OPTO, SIC’s platform, the documentary now arrives, for the first time, at the cinema, at Rivoli, in Porto. The documentary piece should then go on to the international film festival circuit. It is Ljubomir taking Portugal to the world, once again. Conquering kilometers, without apologizing or asking for permission. Devouring each step with an immense hunger to live.

FILM CREDITS

A film by Mónica Franco

Photography: Abel Rosa e Pedro Fonseca

Edition: Márcia Costa

Graphic Design: Mário Belém

Graphic Animation: Daniel Sardo

Music: Rodrigo Leão e The Legendary Tigerman

Coloris: Francisco Costa

Post-Production Sound: Bárbara Campos e Pedro Carvalho/ Billyboom Sound Design

Writer, Producer and Director: Mónica Franco