Last week, we released the official trailer for our upcoming documentary, Harmony Of The Azores, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally share it with you.
From the first few frames to the final shot, the trailer brings to life the energy and heart of the Azores, the people we met, and the music that guided our journey. Thanks to the incredible work of our editor, Angelina Starn, it’s colorful, rhythmic, and full of soul.
Angelina told us she had a clear vision from the beginning. With just a simple note from the directors to keep it “colorful and fun,” she ran with it. The result is a trailer that feels both intentional and alive, evolving into something even bigger than she imagined as the edit progressed.
One of the first things that draws you in is the music. Angelina said she knew the right song from the moment she heard it. “As soon as I heard the voices of the singers mixed with an upbeat tone, I knew that song was the one,” she said. After hours of listening, she kept coming back to that track and took it as a sign that it was meant to be.
The editing style reflects the spirit of the film: fast-paced, engaging, and visually dynamic. Angelina brought her experience from editing other PaceDocs trailers like For the Love of Food and used that rhythm and energy to shape the final cut. “By understanding the PaceDocs trailer tempo, I was able to adhere to a faster-paced, eye-catching look,” she explained.
All the footage in the trailer was captured during our production on the islands, and Angelina highlighted how stunning each shot turned out. But one moment in particular stood out to her. “For me, the all-star shot of this trailer is the final shot,” she said. “When the musician hits that final chord, hugs his viola, and lets the sound resonate, there’s something powerful in that. It represents the viola, the music, and most of all the passion of the Azores.”
Editing to music is never easy, and this trailer had its own unique challenges, especially with lyrics in Portuguese. Despite being a musician herself for over thirteen years, Angelina had to make sure the visuals matched the meaning of the lyrics as closely as possible, even without speaking the language. “I had to make sure that what they were singing is what you were seeing on the screen,” she shared.
She also worked to find a perfect balance between showcasing the Azores’ breathtaking beauty and the musicians’ emotional stories. Every choice was made with care to reflect both worlds.
When asked which part of the trailer she’s most proud of, her answer was simple: “All of it!”
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes content!