Navigating streets and avenues to get from one place to another is part of the daily routine for anyone living in a major city. Most of the time, it is something done almost automatically, without realizing that behind every street, square, and corner, there is a story.
Recife, the capital of Pernambuco, is one of these places, rich in historic buildings and locations celebrated by great poets and writers.
“I really love literature, especially from Pernambuco. One day, while talking to a friend, I realized that several poets and writers referenced specific streets in the city. So, I thought it would be very interesting if people could experience the streets of Recife through a literary lens,” says film director Eric Laurence, the creator of the project.
Following this conversation with writer Luzilá Gonçalves, Laurence developed the idea for the app Ruas Literárias do Recife, launched in September 2016.
Using geolocation services, the app maps out the locations in the city that have been featured in literary works. By tapping on a pin, users can access excerpts and information about the author, which can be saved as favorites or shared on social media. Users can also find poems by searching for specific street names and writers. Additionally, the app features a trivia quiz about the literary works.
The project was funded through a public grant from Funcultura (the Pernambuco State Culture Incentive Fund) and took two years to complete.
Laurence notes that the research phase was the most time-consuming and meticulous part of the process. Lasting about nine months, this stage was developed with the support of Luzilá Gonçalves. “It was important for us to showcase literature from various angles, ranging from traditional authors to marginal and contemporary poets, offering diverse perspectives on the city.”
As the filmmaker explains, the app's purpose goes beyond helping citizens discover and value the historical heritage of their city. “Once you begin to view the streets through a poetic lens, you establish an emotional bond with the city and forge a new relationship with the urban space, fostering a deeper sense of belonging.”
Via Portal Aprendiz.
This article was written by Portal Aprendiz. The translation is powered by AI.
