Chemical Affinities traces the impacts of ammonia fertilisers in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal, examining material and territorial manifestations such as cultivation patterns, artifacts and infrastructure. Aiming to problematise the role of chemicals in accelerating and managing growth, the project investigates the complex relationships between the entangled histories of soil fertility, energy, chemical industries and image-making technologies. The operational gaze of the camera is challenged through the juxtaposition of different materialities: high-resolution images of Alentejo’s landscape are contrasted with visceral granular Super 8 field recordings toned using ammonia-based chemical processes. The film explores a possible chemical ethnography of material and visual culture through the lens of ammonia fertilisers.

8' 51''

4K, sound, colour

Written and directed by: Miguel Teodoro

Sound Design: Ruben Silva (aka Coldest Winter)

Nominee for Gijs Bakker Award

Premiered during Dutch Design Week; October 2023

Screened at: Culturgest Porto – Fazer #2 (PT, Feb-May 2024); World Soil Museum Wageningen (NL, June 2024) Melted Film Festival (NL, October 2024); LI-MA Presents: BYOF – Tilburg (NL, February 2025)