Hi! I’m Valerio (Val) Lopes, the creator and founder of Afryk and Medeo.
I would describe myself as a storyteller, an African Djeli born in the technology age. My soul resonates with the African continent, and my perspective remains deeply rooted in its rich history and values. Though I might seem like a nomad, wandering the world, I'm truly an African at heart, always longing for a land of peace, equality, and justice for all.
I'm an Audio Engineering, but my passion didn't stop there. I evolved into a self-taught programmer and digital smith, bringing to life a plethora of apps and digital products.
One of my proudest ventures as a filmmaker is "The Africologist" documentary, which showcases the world from an authentic African perspective. This project, along with others, is a testament to my dedication to preserving and promoting the history of Africa. My overarching ambition is to leverage modern technology to ensure that our African History and Heritage shine brightly, finding their rightful place in the global narrative.
My professional journey has seen me wear many hats—audio engineer for film and music, designer (both on and offline), director, editor, and more. In my more recent role as a consultant in Africa, I've been committed to representing values and culture above mere profit. Every step of the way, I strive to be socially responsible, defend African values, and ardently contribute to the upliftment of our people and continent.
LANGUAGES
Being born in Luxembourg and of Cabo Verdean descent, i had the chance to get in touch with many languages in a very young age.
- German (Full Professional Proficiency)
- French (Full Professional Proficiency)
- English (Full Professional Proficiency)
- Portuguese (Professional Proficiency)
- Cabo Verdean Creole (Native & Bilingual Proficiency)
- Luxembourgish (Native & Bilingual Proficiency)
- Spanish (Getting there... )
SKILLS
Creative, resourceful, autodidact, always learning, seeking the truth and curious about the unknown.
- Audio Engineering & Sound Design
- Music (Piano & Composition)
- Writing & Storytelling
- Programming (PHP, HTML, CSS some C++)
- Video Editing & Visual Storytelling
- Graphics Design & 3D
OPUS
Mobile Application: Amilcar Cabral
The first Cabo Verdean iOS application on the App Store, developed and designed by Valerio Lopes
Visual Arts: The Neverending Chain Of Slavery
Commissioned Visual Arts Project (2009). This 3D composition is a statement and a monument to African Slavery and the subjugation of People of African descent. (3D, Graphics Design and Music by Valerio Lopes)
Talk & Presentation: Telling The Lion's (Hi)Story
Until Lions write their own history, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter - Tells a famous African Saying. How can we use technology and the internet to Tell the Lion's Story and History. (A 15 minutes Talk and Presentation by Valerio Lopes, 3D rendering, and Graphics Design by Valerio Lopes)
Music & Talk: Identity and Culture, the missing Link
This story and presentation is a conceived around the Cabo Verdean concept of a Xintada, where the audience sits in a circle and stories and music are used to call attention on a certain social subject or issue, i this case the missing link between African Identities and Cultures. Story, Music, and Graphic Design by Valerio Lopes.
Documentary Trilogy and Presentation: Cabralista
Cabralista is an award winning documentary trilogy by Valerio Lopes. This film had te very unique purpose to give birth to the term "Cabralism", in order to describe, define and spread Amilcar Cabral's opus and ideologies, both as the father of Cabo Verdean and Guinea Bissau Nationality as also as one of the greatest African Thinkers of the 20th century. This film was selected "Best Documentary Film" at the Cabo Verde International Film Festival and nominated for "Best Documentary Film" at the Festival Pan Africain de Cannes (France). (Directed by Valerio Lopes)
TEDx Praia
Telling the Lion's Story is a TEDx talk given by Valerio Lopes during the first TEDx event organised in Cape Verde in 2017.
The Africologist
The Africologist is an award-winning futuristic documentary on African History, Science, and Technology. Director Val Lopes and the virtual character, the Africologist, embark on a journey through space and time, their mission: unveil and relate the chronicles of Africa.
SPEAKING
I am available for speaking engagements for both public and private events. Compensation will vary based on the nature of the customer and event, as well as the topic.
Ideal topics are in-line with my work and professional experiences, although tailored topics can be negotiated.
Main topics
- The Africologist (documentary film)
- Applied Africology & Technological Design
- Telling The Lion's (Hi)Story
- Identity And Culture, The Missing Link
- Amilcar Cabral (talks on the documentary trilogy Cabralista)
- 'The Africologist' Film Screenings
- Applied Africology
Please contact me to learn more.
ETHICS STATEMENT
My goal is to be a truly independent storyteller, a commitment that is about more than having total freedom and control over my actions. It is a way to protect my values and what i stand for. To wit:
I am not paid by any company or organisation for any opinion, idea, or position I take.
I take my personal and professional integrity as well as the integrity of my company very seriously. While I will make (and have made) mistakes, I will always strive to correct them in all due form and take the necessary steps to ensure I don’t make similar mistakes in the future.
If you have any concerns or questions about this ethics policy please contact me.