“…I found that through Jesseca Ynez Simmons’ cinematography, the archival footage and the choice of including a performance (by Stanley Glover) layer, the visuals emotionally complement Germain’s voice-over, while also creating an emotional connection to him.”
- Céline Roustan, Short of the Week
DIGGING FOR LIFE (2023)
Short Documentary
Director: João Queiroga
Role: Producer and Director of Photography
Digging for Life is a documentary film that tells the story of a Cameroonian man who finds himself trapped as a slave in the diamond fields of Angola.
“This is an astonishing portrait of strength and resilience forged through fire.”
- Eileen Arandiga, Hot Docs
“At its core, the film has a devastating story that can’t leave anyone indifferent, but the eclectic approach, which blends different styles, is a true showcase of the power of the film and how it can effectively bring a story to the screen with sensitivity and respect.”
- Céline Roustan, Short of the Week
Official Selections:
2023 Short of the Week
2022 Garden Route International Film Festival
2022 Detroit Black Film Festival
2022 Baltimore International Black Film Festival
2022 Festival Int’l Du Film PanAfricain De Cannes
2022 Ciudad Del Este Independent Film Festival
2022 Entre Olhares Mostra De Cinema Português
2022 Indie Shorts Awards Cannes
2022 International Black Film Festival (Nashville)
2021 Africa in Motion Film Festival
2021 American Black Film Festival
2021 Vidlings and Tapeheads Film Festival
2021 St. Louis International Film Festival
2021 Doc Edge Film Festival
2021 Austin Film Festival
2021 Hot Docs Film Festival