The Government of the Azores promotes the world première of the documentary "Nos Baixos do Maranhão” (In the Lowlands of Maranhão), which addresses the Azorean cultural legacy and history of the settlement in this Brazilian state. The event will take place at the João José da Graça Public Library and Regional Archive on December 3 at 9 PM.

This 40-minute documentary was filmed in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. It had the support of the Azorean Government, through the Regional Directorate for Communities, and the Municipality of Itajaí, State of Santa Catarina.

The world première of this work will be attended by the authors, Diego Lara and Flávio Oliveira. It also includes the delivery of a conference by Paulo Teodoro de Matos, professor at "Universidade Nova de Lisboa, who will address the Azorean emigration in northern Brazil.

The documentary is a production of TAC films. The Regional Government's support to this project falls within the policies towards the promotion, recovery and dissemination of Azorean migration paths and their legacy, namely the rich cultural heritage of this archipelago in northeastern Brazil. It depicts the way how Maranhão still lives the traditions and customs brought by the Azoreans who came in the first quarter of the 17th century.

In addition to the documentary première, the event also features the photography exhibition "Divino" by Flávio Oliveira, which depicts the Holy Spirit festivities in the state of Maranhão and the way its people celebrate this religious event.

On 4 December, this documentary will be exhibited at the Whaling Museum in Lajes do Pico, followed by the Angra do Heroísmo Museum on December 5, and its presentation in Ponta Delgada at the 9500 Film Club in SolMar building on December 7. All sessions start at 9 PM.

The admission to the documentary's opening session is free as well as to the subsequent exhibitions on the islands of Pico, Terceira and São Miguel. The event also features a photography display.