This is the inspiring story of man from Cape Verde, who spends his days collecting rubbish from the beach, and fashioning it into gym equipment, for locals and tourists to enjoy.

The story is set on The Sal Island of Cape Verde and stars 43 year old Alcindo, a local man who once dreamt of a career as a professional footballer, but now dedicates his time to keeping his local beach clean and ensuring there is somewhere for him, the local community and visiting tourists to exercise. Alcindo’s make-shift gym is free, open 24/7 and has a pretty spectacular view of the sea.

Alcindo’s make-shift gym is free, open 24/7 and has a pretty spectacular view of the sea

“Our goal with this project is to tell real stories, of real people using optimism and creative thinking in an effort to improve their lives and the lives of the ones around them.” said Director Roger Serrasqueiro. “‘One problem at a time, one story at a time.”

“It was inspired by Tud Dret (it’s all good) a Cape Verdean creole expression (spoken language on the islands of Cape Verde)” he continued “but it’s also a philosophy of life that combines creativity with positivity and has allowed a small country in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to push through difficult times with a perennial smile on the face of its people.”