Saudade
Tallahassee, Florida | Film Short
Drama, Romance
Saudade is a short film about longing, identity, and human connection. Your donation helps us bring this intimate story to life through beautiful cinematography, authentic performances and highlighting Latino voices. Support independent cinema and help us turn emotion into something unforgettable.
Saudade
Tallahassee, Florida | Film Short
Drama, Romance
1 Campaigns | Florida, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $3,225 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
36 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Saudade is a short film about longing, identity, and human connection. Your donation helps us bring this intimate story to life through beautiful cinematography, authentic performances and highlighting Latino voices. Support independent cinema and help us turn emotion into something unforgettable.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
STORY
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Saudade is a poetic short film about longing, the quiet ache of missing something that once felt close.
The story follows Luiza, a guarded photographer who prefers to observe life through her camera rather than fully participate in it. When she meets Bela, a spontaneous and free-spirited stranger in a secluded park, the two form a fleeting but meaningful connection.
Through photography, conversation, and shared moments of vulnerability, Luiza begins to confront emotions she has kept at a distance.
But some connections are temporary, and some feelings only reveal themselves once the moment has passed.
Saudade is an intimate, atmospheric story about the tension between capturing a moment and truly living inside it.
Why This Film — The 4 Ws
Why This Story?
“Saudade” is a word that exists in Portuguese and Brazilian culture that describes a very specific emotional state: a deep longing for something or someone that may never return.
It is nostalgia, love, absence, and memory all at once.
This film explores that feeling through a quiet, character-driven encounter, a moment where two strangers briefly share something real before life moves forward again.
Many of us have experienced moments like this: a conversation, a place, or a person that stays with us long after the moment itself has ended.
Why Me?
My name is Pepe Zuloaga, and I am a senior at Florida State University studying storytelling through film and visual media.
Coming from a Latino family with three sisters and incredibly supportive parents, stories about connection, memory, and emotion have always been central to my life.
Saudade is my directorial debut, but it builds on years of experience working in videography, creative production, and marketing. This project represents a step forward for me as a filmmaker, moving from capturing moments to crafting a narrative that reflects the emotional experiences that shape who we become.
Why Now?
This film is being created during a moment when many young creatives are reflecting on identity, relationships, and the fleeting nature of time.
As I approach graduation, Saudade is also personal: it reflects the feeling of looking back at moments that shaped us while stepping into the unknown future.
This is the right moment to tell this story because it is rooted in the emotional transitions many of us are living through right now.
Context — Where We Are & How Your Support Helps
Saudade is currently in active pre-production with a full student creative team assembled from Florida State University’s film and creative community.
We have:
• Completed the script
• Begun assembling cast and crew
• Started location planning and visual development
• Begun building our production design and cinematography approach
The funds raised through this campaign will directly support the production and distribution of the film.
How Your Support Will Be Used
Your contributions will help fund:
• Camera equipment to achieve the cinematic visual language the story demands
• Locations that create the authentic atmosphere of the film
• Production design to shape the emotional tone of each frame
• Music and sound that bring the film’s atmosphere to life
• Festival submissions so Saudade can reach audiences around the world
Every dollar raised helps us complete this film at a professional standard.
What Happens After Production
Our production timeline is:
Early April – Principal photography
April – Editing, color grading, and sound design
Late April/Early May – Film festival submissions and screenings
Once the film is completed, supporters will receive updates and opportunities to view the finished project as it begins its festival run.
How You Can Help
Independent films only exist because of community support.
If Saudade resonates with you, there are three ways to help bring this project to life:
1. Pledge — Any contribution moves the film closer to completion.
2. Follow — Stay updated as we move through production.
3. Share — Help us reach people who believe in independent storytelling.
You can copy and share this message:
I just supported the short film Saudade, a poetic story about memory, longing, and fleeting connection. Help bring this film to life: [campaign link]
Every share, conversation, and contribution makes a difference.
The Team
Saudade is being created by a passionate team of filmmakers, artists, and storytellers from the Florida State creative community.
Director — Pepe Zuloaga
A senior at Florida State University dedicated to storytelling through a narrative lens. Saudade marks his directorial debut after years of experience in videography and creative production.
More team members will be announced as production continues.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera and Lighting Equipment
Costs $2,000
High-quality camera gear and lenses will allow us to capture the film’s intimate and cinematic visual style. Red Kimodo 6k pictured!
Production Design
Costs $500
Set dressing, props, and wardrobe will help create the emotional world of the story and give each scene a distinct atmosphere.
Locations
Costs $250
Securing the right locations is essential to creating the quiet, reflective environment where the story unfolds.
Festival Submission
Costs $300
Submitting Saudade to film festivals will allow the film to reach wider audiences and share this story with the independent film community.
Craft/Catering
Costs $400
Craft for our cast/crew to keep them fed and hydrated during production.
Music/Composing
Costs $550
Original music and professional sound work will help shape the emotional tone of the film and immerse audiences in the story.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET THE TEAM
WRITER/DIRECTOR
Pepe Zuloaga
Pepe Zuloaga is a senior at Florida State University dedicated to storytelling through a narrative lens. Coming from a Latino background and raised alongside his three sisters by loving and supportive parents, his experiences with family, love, and memory deeply influence his work.
Saudade is Pepe’s directorial debut. With a background in videography and marketing, he brings both creative vision and production experience to the project. Through Saudade, he hopes to tell a story about connection, longing, and the emotional moments that shape who we are.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
STORY
Saudade is a poetic short film about longing, the quiet ache of missing something that once felt close.
The story follows Luiza, a guarded photographer who prefers to observe life through her camera rather than fully participate in it. When she meets Bela, a spontaneous and free-spirited stranger in a secluded park, the two form a fleeting but meaningful connection.
Through photography, conversation, and shared moments of vulnerability, Luiza begins to confront emotions she has kept at a distance.
But some connections are temporary, and some feelings only reveal themselves once the moment has passed.
Saudade is an intimate, atmospheric story about the tension between capturing a moment and truly living inside it.
Why This Film — The 4 WsWhy This Story?
“Saudade” is a word that exists in Portuguese and Brazilian culture that describes a very specific emotional state: a deep longing for something or someone that may never return.
It is nostalgia, love, absence, and memory all at once.
This film explores that feeling through a quiet, character-driven encounter, a moment where two strangers briefly share something real before life moves forward again.
Many of us have experienced moments like this: a conversation, a place, or a person that stays with us long after the moment itself has ended.
Why Me?
My name is Pepe Zuloaga, and I am a senior at Florida State University studying storytelling through film and visual media.
Coming from a Latino family with three sisters and incredibly supportive parents, stories about connection, memory, and emotion have always been central to my life.
Saudade is my directorial debut, but it builds on years of experience working in videography, creative production, and marketing. This project represents a step forward for me as a filmmaker, moving from capturing moments to crafting a narrative that reflects the emotional experiences that shape who we become.
Why Now?
This film is being created during a moment when many young creatives are reflecting on identity, relationships, and the fleeting nature of time.
As I approach graduation, Saudade is also personal: it reflects the feeling of looking back at moments that shaped us while stepping into the unknown future.
This is the right moment to tell this story because it is rooted in the emotional transitions many of us are living through right now.
Context — Where We Are & How Your Support Helps
Saudade is currently in active pre-production with a full student creative team assembled from Florida State University’s film and creative community.
We have:
• Completed the script
• Begun assembling cast and crew
• Started location planning and visual development
• Begun building our production design and cinematography approach
The funds raised through this campaign will directly support the production and distribution of the film.
How Your Support Will Be Used
Your contributions will help fund:
• Camera equipment to achieve the cinematic visual language the story demands
• Locations that create the authentic atmosphere of the film
• Production design to shape the emotional tone of each frame
• Music and sound that bring the film’s atmosphere to life
• Festival submissions so Saudade can reach audiences around the world
Every dollar raised helps us complete this film at a professional standard.
What Happens After Production
Our production timeline is:
Early April – Principal photography
April – Editing, color grading, and sound design
Late April/Early May – Film festival submissions and screenings
Once the film is completed, supporters will receive updates and opportunities to view the finished project as it begins its festival run.
How You Can Help
Independent films only exist because of community support.
If Saudade resonates with you, there are three ways to help bring this project to life:
1. Pledge — Any contribution moves the film closer to completion.
2. Follow — Stay updated as we move through production.
3. Share — Help us reach people who believe in independent storytelling.
You can copy and share this message:
I just supported the short film Saudade, a poetic story about memory, longing, and fleeting connection. Help bring this film to life: [campaign link]
Every share, conversation, and contribution makes a difference.
The Team
Saudade is being created by a passionate team of filmmakers, artists, and storytellers from the Florida State creative community.
Director — Pepe Zuloaga
A senior at Florida State University dedicated to storytelling through a narrative lens. Saudade marks his directorial debut after years of experience in videography and creative production.
More team members will be announced as production continues.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera and Lighting Equipment
Costs $2,000
High-quality camera gear and lenses will allow us to capture the film’s intimate and cinematic visual style. Red Kimodo 6k pictured!
Production Design
Costs $500
Set dressing, props, and wardrobe will help create the emotional world of the story and give each scene a distinct atmosphere.
Locations
Costs $250
Securing the right locations is essential to creating the quiet, reflective environment where the story unfolds.
Festival Submission
Costs $300
Submitting Saudade to film festivals will allow the film to reach wider audiences and share this story with the independent film community.
Craft/Catering
Costs $400
Craft for our cast/crew to keep them fed and hydrated during production.
Music/Composing
Costs $550
Original music and professional sound work will help shape the emotional tone of the film and immerse audiences in the story.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET THE TEAM
WRITER/DIRECTOR
Pepe Zuloaga
Pepe Zuloaga is a senior at Florida State University dedicated to storytelling through a narrative lens. Coming from a Latino background and raised alongside his three sisters by loving and supportive parents, his experiences with family, love, and memory deeply influence his work.
Saudade is Pepe’s directorial debut. With a background in videography and marketing, he brings both creative vision and production experience to the project. Through Saudade, he hopes to tell a story about connection, longing, and the emotional moments that shape who we are.