In recent years, films based on real world events and true stories have become something of a go-to theme for films that has been well and truly embraced by film-makers and audiences alike, what with Paranormal Activity forgoing integrity; becoming a cash cow of massive proportions.

It makes sense then that the first film from young Brazilian writer, director and Editor Emerson Pinheiro is a paranormal tale based on events that happened to an 11-year old boy, during 1995 in Brazil. The film is titled Spiritual Contact, as opposed to contact from alien life, the genre of the supernatural is explored, and a rare and much needed exploration into the ways the other side contacts and affects us.

In 2011 Pinhiero, whom has previously been behind the camera in short-films, created his production company Atalia Films with a devotion to making films based on true experiences, giving people who have endured the usually clandestine and personal events a voice, as a method of getting messages across to audiences worldwide.

Due to good and considerate writing, Spiritual Contact has been localised to England and names have been changed to protect all involved. Pinheiro has created a believable array of characters that audiences can relate to thanks to the typical English settings and dialects, something regularly unattainable in Hollywood films where narratives of this nature are usually set.

The film follows the tale of Jeremiah who on his 11th birthday unknowingly received a gift (or should that be burden) granting him the ability to see into the parallel world of the supernatural and paranormal. As a way of both dealing with his gift and fighting the malevolent forces that be he seeks spiritual help.

Atalaia Films have created a brilliant film that explores themes and presents questions we dare ask ourselves as adults with diverse crew and talent. Their mission goal; to create and explore films based on the true life experiences of people is a breath of fresh air as it is an auspicious task, one that should not be taken lightly, let’s hope that they make a name for themselves as they deserve to with such hard work and determination.

As of June 2012, Atalaia Films has grown to encompass a diverse crew and established talent, the follow-up to Spiritual Contact is now in post-production.

Written by Jonathan Kirby