Five years ago, Photographer / Director Pedro Oliveira lost two of the most important people in his life which fractured his sense of self and direction. In the thick of that grief, he recalled what a friend once wrote, “The most beautiful creative expressions come out of pain. I can’t wait to see what you’ll make out of your grieving.” Tracks on Sand: The Road Home is that expression for Pedro: an artistic reflection of finding the beauty in the pain of loss.
At the time he read that quotation, the words felt hollow. But years later, fate put the Director of Photography Chad Windham in his path. Chad was grieving the impending loss of his beloved dog to bone cancer and Pedro immediately found himself inspired to explore that emotional terrain and in doing so, revisit his own. In telling Chad’s story, he unexpectedly began to process his own grief. What began as someone else’s journey became a deeply personal act of healing.
For a long time, Pedro resisted moving beyond solo photography, fearing the scale and collaboration of full productions. But one of the people he lost had always told him, “Just jump headfirst. You’ll find your people.” And he did. This project became possible because of the people who believed in Pedro, and those who brought their time, talent, and heart to a story born from loss. His film blends his signature automotive and lifestyle lens with a deeply personal narrative that takes centerstage. The combination is one that shows effortless storytelling and signals a hope that Pedro’s first large-scale collaboration won’t be his last. In the end, this film is something beautiful made from pain.
See the full film and BTS stills below. For more of Pedro’s work, visit his Workbook portfolio.
Represented by WSWcreative.
