Mercy

In 2002 Portugal, a journalist uncovers a pedophilia network at Casa Pia, risking her life against threats and lies.

The year is 2002. A journalist is about to uncover what will become the largest case of institutionalised pedophilia in Portugal. She navigates through the disappointments and lies surrounding her investigation while dealing with threats to her personal life. A journey into one of the most unforgettable cases in Portuguese collective memory.

Keywords: based on a true story, abuse, orphanage

Director's note:
Since 2018, I've been immersed in daily questions arising from extensive research and conversations with Felícia Cabrita about the Casa Pia case. Central among these inquiries is: What remains for survivors of this paedophile network?
The concept of “Piedade”, rooted in empathy, starkly contrasts with the institution's promise to shelter, educate, and protect minors, conveying a paradox central to this exploration. Here we’ve uncovered intimate, often overlooked stories of survivors and whistleblowers, aiming to illuminate their trauma.
This project not only narrates the Casa Pia case but also confronts systemic judicial failures and societal challenges. Visual storytelling techniques inspired by films like "Grâce à Dieu" and "Moonlight" are employed to capture the complexity of this narrative.
Driven by this commitment, I share the survivors' urgency: to ensure the Casa Pia case remains remembered and, crucially, to prevent its recurrence through awareness and accountability.