I am here now

The artists developed an audiovisual work with current and former emigrants from the municipality of Vouzela, trying to answer questions such as: Is the search for greater freedom an inherent factor in the decision to emigrate? Is a broader sense of “emigration” beyond physical change possible? Could someone “emigrate” emotionally or spiritually without even leaving their country?

The piece is based on research and interviews with inhabitants of the region of Viseu Dão Lafões, questioning their experiences during the period of emigration and the period of return. For the most part, the stories focused on individual interaction with the surrounding environment, the search for comfort and the inevitable questioning of belonging.

During 23 minutes, this sound piece takes the listener to experiences of micro-migration in the surrounding area. Through different sensory and emotionally effective solutions, the listener is invited to connect with his or her surroundings, as well as to document the journey with photographs, stories, narrated recordings and geographic coordinates, within the scope of keeping memories of the experience. .

The play is narrated in three different versions: Hebrew, Portuguese and English, accompanied by songs and regional soundscapes from Viseu, Israel and other parts of the world, blurring the physical definition of belonging, leaving room for the realization of the universal and emotional.

Anat Handelsman is a vocal artist, performer and director, born in 1993 and based in Israel. She focuses her artistic and life work on a trilogy of art, education and community. Her work touches on personal stories and those of others, including broad concepts such as feminism, environmentalism, and identity. She also collaborates with groups such as the Onot Ensemble and the Great Gehenna Choir collective.

Avishay Zawoznik is a sound and media artist, musician, producer and video editor. He presents his electronic music work live and develops sound design for choreographies and audiovisual works. He has been managing Israeli vocal artist Noam Enbar, founder of GreatGehenna Choir and band HaBiluyim, since 2020.