The Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) has taken a significant step forward in preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the Portuguese-American community in Central California through its documentary series, “Untold Stories.” This series, in collaboration with students from the MCJ program, focuses on capturing the essence and diverse experiences of Portuguese-Americans, offering an invaluable resource for cultural preservation and education.
In the latest installment of the “Untold Stories” series, “The Portuguese Festa in Central California,” viewers are invited into the heart of the Portuguese-American community’s vibrant celebrations that mark the Central Valley’s cultural landscape. This documentary shines a spotlight on the festa, a cornerstone of Portuguese heritage that brings together generations of Portuguese-Americans and their neighbors in a rich display of culture, faith and community bonding.
Produced by Professor Kelley Campos McCoy, directed by Professor Candace Egan and leveraging the talents of MCJ students, the documentary goes beyond mere observation, delving into the significance of festas in the Central Valley.
“We spent the day and kind of got immersed, and everybody is so welcoming,” Egan said. “I think one of the important things about these fiestas is they’re open to the whole community. It’s not an exclusive kind of experience.”
This immersion into the community festivities provided a firsthand experience of the festa’s communal spirit that defines these events, welcoming all, regardless of their heritage.
The student involvement in this project is significant, offering them a real-world application of their skills in video production and multimedia. Students were responsible for a range of critical tasks, from setting up interviews and managing technical aspects of filming to the detailed work of editing.
“Both of the documentaries have been edited by a student, usually a senior, and in some cases, it’s their final big project before they go off out into the world,” Egan explained.
This hands-on experience not only enriches their academic journey but also prepares them for professional careers in media and film.
Diniz Borges, who serves as executive producer on the series, praised the film for its ability to bridge communities and generations, highlighting how festas serve as a vibrant expression of Portuguese culture and identity within the multicultural tapestry of Central California.
“It’s a way to bring a bond between the community, for the community to get together,” Borges said.
“Untold Stories: The Portuguese Festa in Central California” is the second film in the “Untold Stories” series, following the success of “Untold Stories: Portuguese-Americans along the 99 Corridor” released in 2021. Due to the pandemic, the film premiered virtually on Zoom to an international audience.
“We had ambassadors, people from Portugal. We had an international audience,” said Egan. “People, certainly in Portugal, in the Azores and in or around California that know [the films] are coming out. So I do think it is an international project, and it’s exciting to have your work seen by people from other countries.”
Work on the project began in 2019 as a collaboration between PBBI and Fresno State’s MCJ program, aiming to document and share the narratives of the Portuguese-American community in the Central Valley. The first film set the stage by exploring the lives and contributions of Portuguese-Americans, earning a Telly Award for its insightful portrayal of the community.
Looking ahead, the series promises to continue its exploration of Portuguese-American heritage with upcoming films focusing on Portuguese artists and the unique cultural exchanges between California and the Azores. These future projects underscore the series’ commitment to documenting the multifaceted identity of the Portuguese-American community in the Central Valley.
As the series continues, the focus on student involvement remains a cornerstone of its success. These documentaries not only serve as a valuable educational tool but also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. Through their participation, students gain invaluable experience and recognition, positioning them well for future endeavors in media and film.
“We still have a lot to achieve, but I believe that five short years we’ve been in existence, and considering that we had a pandemic for a year and a half, I think that we’ve achieved a lot of what we set out to do in the oral histories,” said Borges. “Especially having 90 interviews recorded is huge.”
Their goal is to reach 100 oral history recordings by the end of the Spring semester. All of the raw interview recordings that make up the “Untold Stories” documentary, and even some not in the films are archived in the Fresno State Library for future reference.
In addition to the oral history project, PBBI is busy with its publishing arm, Bruma Publishing, which brings the literary works of Azorian authors to the forefront of social consciousness. Their most recent title, “Into the Azorean Sea,” dives into a bilingual collection of Azorean poetry. Bruma Publishing’s catalog features a rich exploration of the culture, history, and creativity of the Azorean people. PBBI also holds many public events during the academic year. Follow their Facebook page to learn more.
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ChatGPT contributed to this story.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 