Xisto Family

Jacqueline Lentzou

Greece

“Casa de Xisto’s offering, communal living along with film shooting and eco-processing, back then, literally made me have goosebumps. Casa de Xisto’s experience, is with no exaggeration, unfathomably richer than its description. It is something close to magic. Really.

Waking up in a house of special architecture, next to blossoming trees, by a reflecting pool, is a luxury. Having breakfast with film pals, in a cool, non-pretentious relaxed environment, is a rarity. Strolling altogether under the sun to pick up mint in order to develop your film, is a miracle. I was feeling blessed very often while there, full of meaning, love and freedom.

Surrounded by Bolexes, film tanks, film stock and lenses is my high. The first days I was walking by the pool table, seeing all the equipment and I was drooling. Soon, we got them in our hands and started to play. At this point, I would like to mention this hard to strike balance: professional knowledge – Steve, Catarina’s collaborator from NY is a mesmerizing teacher – along with playfulness. We were working and playing. At points, these two would become one, exactly like how different film parts get stitched together to become a whole.

The world needs more of Casa de Xisto. Honeslty. It all boils down to the founder however, Catarina. She is the magnet of all these great energies that meet up in this masterpiece house and start to create. Catarina is open, warm, giving, sensitive, funny and a real producer at the same time. A big closing party was arranged in half a day, with the lab still going, the house in our mess, yet Catarina magically made it. She glows from inside out and this naturally affects Casa de Xisto.

I was genuinely inspired. I made real friendships – yeah, they do happen in brief timeframes when the conditions are loving. One of my new friends, is Catarina’s steady collaborator, Ricardo, who apart from great humor and heart, has incessant knowledge about eco-processing, photography, nature and art.

Closing, I will never forget going to Catarina in sheer enthusiasm and ecstasy telling her ‘Catarina! This is amazing, it will get huge’ and her reply, grounded with a smile, ‘Sure, but I am not sure I want that’.  What she really implied is that she would never ever want to change the warmth, coziness and authenticity that we all feel for anything bigger or fancier. This stance is deeply political in a substantial and radical way – we need more of this approach in the industry.

Ever since I left, I know I will go back. Either as a helping hand or as a participant. Or in any other role Catarina may think I could take on. It will happen with love, for love exactly like the way I entered cinema, with love, for love.”

3rd edition family photo

Kenneth Geurts

Netherlands

“Everyone that is part of Casa do Xisto is so knowledgeable, from the participants to the organization. Simultaneously, it maintains a very important makeshift-DIY atmosphere, which creates this highly inspiring, informative and unique environment. While fully producing — writing, shooting, developing (+sourcing the ingredients necessary for developing), and editing – a 16mm film in 5 days might seem wild (and it kind of is), the collaborative nature of Casa do Xisto makes it possible. Processing film with coffee (and keeping ourselves awake with said eco developing agent) way after midnight with newly made friends in a garage-turned-film processing lab  while a Forró version of californication is playing, is something that truly captures the spirit of Xisto, and an experience I will cherish forever.”

Joana Patrão

Portugal

“The immersive lab was a truly wonderful experience. I can’t imagine a better way to have a first contact with 16mm, surrounded by a beautiful environment, creative people, inspiring and attentive mentors. 

As a visual artist it was a privilege to immerse in the magics of analog cinema and doing it in a communal way. Many thanks to Catarina, Ricardo and Steve for making this great experience happen and for welcoming us there.”

Jo Weinberg

United States of America

“My time at the 16mm lab at Casa Do Xisto can only be described as a dream come true! I never thought a place like this could exist, where film and nature come together so harmoniously. Each day was more magical than the next, from foraging herbs to develop our films with, to in-depth camera and film workshops, to family dinners with the most nourishing food and conversations…
I’m so grateful for the deeply thoughtful, kind, and inspiring people I met last summer in Barcelos. Muchos obrigadas Catarina, Steve, and Ricardo!! I can’t recommend this lab highly enough.”

Madison Cameron

United States of America

“Casa do Xisto… a healing sanctuary caressed in metallic, metamorphic stone. These shimmering minerals emulsify a home for a familiar core “species” called the universal family. 

Casa do Xisto is a prism of suspension, a space to be immersed in non-stop [film] development, transcendental conversation, and universal sound. 

I thank Steve Cossman (Mono no Aware) for the gentle spirit and masterful teachings, Ricardo Leite for the alchemical wisdom, Catarina de Sousa for fostering us wildflowers, and the Macieira de Rates village for the magnetic fields.”

Ibrahim Kargbo

United Kingdom

“Casa do Xisto wasn’t just a place; it was a crucible for artistic exploration.  This artist residency offered a unique opportunity to delve into the world of 16mm film, a truly immersive experience that pushed me both creatively and technically.

The days were demanding, filled with hands-on learning about the intricate mechanics of 16mm cameras, the fascinating science behind film development, and the collaborative spirit of filmmaking.  Under the guidance of experienced professionals, we explored traditional techniques, from reversible processing to black and white film stock.  This wasn’t just about recreating the past; it was about understanding the foundation of cinema and the possibilities for ecologically sustainable filmmaking practices.

For someone with a background in analogue technology, Casa do Xisto provided a much-needed refresher and a chance to rediscover the magic of 16mm film.  Beyond the technical aspects, the residency fostered a sense of community. Sharing meals with fellow participants wasn’t just sustenance; it was a chance to connect, share experiences, and forge bonds that transcended the classroom.”

Leon Emonds-Pool

Germany

“Spending a week at Xisto not only helped me developing my practice in the field of experimental, analog filmmaking, but also opened up beautiful new friendships with a lot of inspiring people. In this rural landscape, cinema can grow to its fullest. A wild ride that will stay in my heart!”

Sofia Pires

Portugal

“The days I spent here were very beautiful and special, and I am sure I will not forget them, in every project, short film, or film club I create in the future. Thank you for being this beautiful community light that, at a time when I feel disenchanted with cinema, reminded me of the reasons why I fell in love with this craft. May you continue to resist, for many years, with this strong force of resistance that fights for ways of creating, producing, being together, and sharing with the world in such fair, collaborative, and democratic ways as I found with you here, which are so rare to find sometimes in the world.” 

Marie Fages

France

“Here really is one of these places where time flies, light, fun, solar. The wonderful energy of the Shale House already resonates in every ray of sunlight that continues to illuminate the images I will shoot in the future, full of new learning and collaborating comrades.”

Zack Shorrosh

United States of America

“I’m so glad I got to have this experience honestly life changing. I learned so much in this wonderful house, thank you so much for having me and organizing this incredible group week. Love you! You are always welcome in NYC!”

Emma Penrose

United States of America

“Thank you for inviting us into this nourishing and beautiful space. Thus has changed my life.”

Ian Capillé

Brazil

“Not even my highest expectations could have prepared me for what unfolded this week here. Thank you, Catarina, Ricardo, and Steve, for so much learning and creativity, and thank you to all my colleagues for reminding me that cinema and friendship are a beautiful adventure.”

Alanis Santiago-Rodriguez

United States of America

“My words won’t be able to fully express what this residency has meant to me. Casa Do Xisto appeared in my life by fate. Catarina, Ricardo, and Steve have cultivated a film community filled with so much love, passion, and magic … I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything quite like this and I will attempt to replicate it forever. The experiences and the lessons I learned here I will take with me everywhere. Apply apply! <3”

Cosmin Nicoara

Romania

“The time spent at Casa do Xisto came at a perfect time. The team and tutors were all so enthusiastic, it was an amazing vibe. Photographing and developing a film was a tiring experience, but the tired eyes at the end of it all are the best sign of an unforgettable learning experience. Thank you Casa do Xisto for all of this.”

Paulo Carneiro

Portugal

“The work in cinema is a summary of friendship, discussion, sharing – with or without fascination – depending on each person. The sparkle in the eyes reveals itself when the first images in the film come to light after Mr. Leite’s “green alchemies.” This sparkle is reinforced when the projector lamp lights up for the first time. From then on, one gets engrossed without detaching, with the new, the old, the future, the most exciting, or those written on restaurant napkins and café receipts and quickly fade away. Projects! The gauge matters little, there’s more thinking, less filming, and in the end, the magic of cinema happens and friendship endures.”