If you’ve been watching Cybercafé latest videos, then you’ve probably caught Rafael Semedo’s name in the credits. The man has been behind the lens capturing some of the scene’s most intense moments, and now, with “1500 Days” out, it was the perfect time to catch up. We talked about how he got into filming, the shoots that nearly made him pull his hair out, and what keeps him motivated to keep pointing the camera at the big guys.

For those who don’t know you yet, who is Rafael Semedo? How would you introduce yourself?

I’m Rafa, I’m 21 years old and skateboarding was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Did skateboarding lead you into the world of filmmaking or were you already interested in it before?

Growing up, I was really into video editing and stuff like that, so much so that I tried to be a Minecraft YouTuber several times, but without success hahaha. But yeah, I was already interested in it. Before filming, I would film the homies at the local park, clips for Insta, and they told me I had a knack for filming. So, I ended up talking to them and saying that I wanted to do something with skateboarding, whether it was taking photos or filming, and eventually, a few months later, I worked at a restaurant and saved up enough to buy the P2.

Rodrigo Moreira – Hellflip

Do you remember the first video you edited? How do you look at it now?
Perfectly. It was “Duduse7e” and I had no idea what I was doing hahaha. I think I even edited it on CapCut on my PC, if I’m not mistaken. This video always makes me go back and think about everything I’ve done so far. I started it for fun and now it’s something I want to do for the rest of my life. It’s very gratifying to have received a lot of support from friends and family, which is what gives me more motivation to continue.

Filming and skateboarding are two completely different things. What turns you on more?
It depends on the day. But I really like both, so I can’t choose.

“1500 Days” has just come out and it seems to be making waves. What was it like being involved in this project?
It’s a great mix of good feelings. It’s a huge satisfaction to be part of something that moves so many people. It’s always an honor to be part of these projects, it’s an indescribable feeling.

Was there any session in “1500 Days” that was a nightmare to get?
There were some clips that were a bit stressful, but we ended up winning that battle. Like, for example, Sarreira’s Fs Tail Heel Out, for which we had to go there a few times. And not to mention Moreira’s flip, which completely obliterated him hahaha. Unfortunately, he got skateboarded in the face, which took a lot of his confidence away and, after that, he got injured on a trip. So, he’s left with that one to give, but he’ll win this one too.

Luis Ceita – Verial Flip

Do you have any footage that was left out that you wish people had seen?
Unfortunately, yes, but because I lost the clip hahaha. The second angle would have shown better how difficult the maneuver was. But, basically, we went on a trip to Porto, and Crespo did a Nose Bump on a rail. That was our last day there and, since we had already checked out, we weren’t going to go back to BNB to play the clip. Days later, when I went to another sesh, I had in my head that I had already transferred the clips to the PC, so I ended up formatting the card and losing the clip. But after that, I always pay close attention and play the clips straight away as soon as I get back from the sesh.

In the video, we have skaters like Daniel Crespo, Luis Ceita, Thaynan Costa… What was it like working with all these guys?
I didn’t have the opportunity to film with some of the people in the video, but the ones I worked with directly were always good adventures. Every day is different, and it’s always good to spend the day with people you love, even if you didn’t end up filming a clip.

How do you see the Cybercafé in the skate scene in Portugal? Is it just a store or has it become something bigger?
Something bigger, without a doubt. I feel that Cyber ​​has brought a lot of attention from people abroad and has given a huge boost to the Portuguese scene, whether through the store itself, the projects or the events.

In addition to “1500 Dias”, your portfolio includes videos such as MANUEL MARIA, Happy Birthday Crespo, CAFEZITO do Tiago Sarreira, PARKING LOT, CHEAP MOTEL. What was the most memorable thing about each of them?
“CHEAP MOTEL” is quite memorable for me, as it was the first project in which a clip I had filmed for the first time was used. I even have a Cheap sticker on my camera as a memento of that day. Cafezito was the second project I took part in and I really enjoyed working with Cyber ​​and Sarreira. They were unique experiences.

What about a video that you filmed without expectations and ended up being amazing?
I would say “Parking Lot”. An edit where we went to a parking lot to skate, I grabbed my camera and it ended up creating one of my favorite edits.

What do you look for when you’re filming? Is it more about the maneuver or about capturing the right moment?
I adapt depending on the maneuver and the spot, but as a general rule I always like to capture the entire skater and the environment that surrounds him.

You have a very unique aesthetic. Is there any reference that inspired you to film and edit the way you do today? Does the internet café have any influence?
Cyber ​​had a big influence, because before I had the camera I was “studying” how skateboarding was filmed and that’s when I ended up watching a lot of Cyberia 2000. I don’t know why, but it’s a video that I’ve always enjoyed watching over and over again. Just like Daniel Galli’s “Angelina” and Ben Chadourne’s videos. I think his creativity is incredible, whether it’s filming or editing. He always ends up taking a different approach than usual. Those are my three references.

Do you think that nowadays people value those behind the camera more or do filmmakers continue to remain in the shadows?
I would say that nowadays they are more valued, depending on who you are, I guess. But I could be wrong. It’s hard to get to the point where you can make a living from this as a filmmaker, unless you sign a contract with a brand or have other sources of income that give you the freedom to do so. There are many cases, some have gotten far sooner than others, but in the end it’s about being consistent and launching good projects so that people will support you more.

Wesley Barros – Ollie

With so many people filming and editing their own videos, do you feel like this has changed the way skateboarding is consumed?
I believe there is more content available for us to watch, which is a good thing in my opinion.

Now that “1500 Days” is out, what’s your next step?
Just keep filming, participate and launch as many projects as possible.

Do you have any personal projects in progress or are you just enjoying the moment?
Both hahaha. I’m doing what I love most, so it’s a 2 in 1. But yes, I’ve been gathering material to launch a solo project.

If you could film a project with any skater, who would you choose?
It’s hard to choose, there are so many people.

What keeps you motivated to continue filming and editing skate videos?
The support I receive is what motivates me the most, whether it’s from my friends, my girlfriend, my family or even people I don’t know, whether it’s on social media or even in public on the skateboards we go on. And knowing that there’s an opportunity to do something big that a lot of people like too.

Daniel Crespo – Ollie Grab

What’s it like filming skaters who are at the top of their game? Is there more pressure to capture everything in the best possible way or is it still just a regular shoot?
I wouldn’t say pressure, but rather focus. Regardless of the skater, I always film focused so that there are no mistakes and so that the clip turns out as I imagined.

Thanks for agreeing to do the interview!
Thank you for the invitation!

I hope you can achieve your goals and launch more projects, because we will be here to see them!
And I will! Thank you for support🙏🏾❤️