Abstract: MEMORALU proposes the development of a documentary focused on the memory of armed resistances against the dictatorship in Portugal. This academic and cinematographic endeavor aims to address a frequently overlooked aspect of Portuguese history, namely, the role and impact of LUAR (Liga de Unidade e Ação Revolucionária), ARA (Ação Revolucionária Armada), and BR (Brigadas Revolucionárias) in the struggle against the authoritarian regime preceding the Carnation Revolution. Countering the tendency to forget and undervalue this segment of history, the project aims to rescue and valorize collective memory about the armed resistances, shedding light on their motivations, challenges, and legacy in contemporary Portuguese society. However, it seeks to achieve this goal while considering the socio-political context and strategic integration of armed action in a landscape of insurrections, attacks, and coups that spans the history of mass struggle against fascism in Portugal.

MEMORALU is divided into two parts. Part 1 involves, initially, rigorous documentary research in national and local archives, including the search for newspapers, government reports, and period publications. Special attention will be given to documents and materials revealing activities and perceptions of LUAR, ARA, and BR. The second phase is dedicated to semi-structured interviews with former members of these movements, historians, and witnesses from that era. These interviews will be complemented by content and thematic analysis and hermeneutic interpretation, providing a deep understanding of individual experiences and perceptions.

Part 2 entails the production of the documentary, following a creative and reflective approach, integrating information gathered in Part 1. A narrative style that interweaves personal testimonies with historical analysis will be adopted, offering a dynamic and engaging view of events. The documentary editing will aim to balance academic rigor with public accessibility, using visual storytelling techniques to illustrate the complexities of armed resistance. The production will also include original graphic material, such as maps and infographics, to contextualize events within Portugal's historical and political panorama. This documentary not only seeks to fill a significant gap in Portuguese historiography but also contribute to a broader understanding of Portugal's transition to democracy. The emphasis on LUAR, ARA, and BR, entities often marginalized in prevailing historical narratives, offers a new perspective on the antecedents and context of April 25, 1974.

MEMORALU stands out for its deeply interdisciplinary nature, combining the fields of Social and Political Psychology, History, and Visual Anthropology to create a documentary that is not just a historical record but also a psychological and visual exploration of resistance to the dictatorship in Portugal. Social and Political Psychology provides insights into the motivations, beliefs, and behaviours of individuals involved in the armed struggle, aiding in understanding the underlying dynamics of resistance and political activism. This analysis is complemented by History, which provides the context and chronological narrative of events, ensuring that the documentary is anchored in accurate historical facts and interpretations. Finally, Visual Anthropology enriches the project by incorporating extratextual forms of historical experience into the knowledge produced, made possible by the use of sound and moving images, allowing not only to deepen the emotional and intersubjective complexities of the time, but also to contribute to a more empathetic and visceral issue representation.

The dissemination of this project at academic, social, and educational levels is crucial for achieving comprehensive impact. Academically, the documentary serves as a valuable resource for researchers and students in the fields of History, International Relations, Sociology, Psychology, and Cultural Studies, offering new perspectives and materials for the study of political resistance and contemporary history of Portugal. Socially, by bringing to light lesser-known accounts of resistance and struggle, the documentary has the potential to foster a more informed and nuanced public dialogue about the country's political past, contributing to a more conscious and reflective society. Furthermore, the project has significant educational value, potentially being used as teaching material in schools and universities to teach about Portugal's recent history, the importance of democracy and human rights, thereby encouraging a new generation to critically reflect on the legacy of dictatorship and the value of freedom.

Timetable: September 2024 - February 2026

Team: RAquel Beleza da Silva (coor.), Ana Sofia Ferreira; Miguel Fonseca Dores