This Emotional Film Showing a Glimpse of Lisbon's Afro-Portuguese Music Scene Is a Must-See

Pai Nosso, a short film directed by Clayton Vomero, introduces us to 23-year-old DJ Firmeza—a Lisbon-based Angolan producer and DJ whose family emigrated to Portugal in the 90s.

DJ Firmeza, whose real name is Cilio Manuel, discerns grief and faith as the film follows him around Quinto Do Mocho, a notoriously rough neighborhood on the outskirts of Lisbon.

Although the community is improving, the young people are caught up in Portugal's alarming youth unemployment crisis—DJ Firmeza is an example of how music can be a way out, as his work reaches millions of listeners on the internet.

"Firmeza represents a growing generation of youth left on their own to decide their place in the world," Vomero says in a statement. "The memory of his father, the musical talent that speaks for itself, and the neighborhood that is his home are integral parts of the film and the 23-year-old man that is Firmeza. I think this concept of self is something that speaks to many people now. We have our memories, our self-worth, and our friends, and not much else."

The film provides an emotional and personal look into the artist's life, where he talks about the recent passing of his father, his struggles with mortality, and his belief and faith in God and himself, and his hope for his future.

"One day I wish that I could show him that we are here," Firmeza says of his father in the film. "That we've become someone like he wished so many times. You see, they emigrated for us. I wish he could know I'm doing the right thing in return."

Watch Pai Nosso, produced in collaboration with The FADER, below.