On January 3rd, 2026, Day Zero Milagres Brasil will awaken on the shores of São Miguel dos Milagres, uniting nature, sound, and spirit in a new ritual of connection. Conceived by Damian Lazarus, the globally revered DJ and producer, the festival expands Day Zero’s mythology to Brazil’s northeast coast, an untouched paradise where jungle meets sea and dance becomes ceremony.
To mark this new chapter, Lazarus has collaborated with acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Novis, recent Hot Docs winner for Alice, a poetic short film that captures the essence of Alagoas. Through cinematic imagery and emotional truth, it translates the festival’s philosophy into a visual language of transformation, blurring the line between music, landscape, and memory.
Damian, Day Zero has always been more than a festival; it’s a ritual built on connection and renewal. What inspired you to bring its spirit to the shores of São Miguel dos Milagres?
Damian: We have been searching for many years for places of untapped beauty that could allow us the space to create our magical experience against the backdrop of a wondrous sunset and sunrise. The coast of Milagres is one of the most special locations on the planet for its nature, tranquility, energy, and power. Bringing people together here to dance will be nothing short of miraculous.
Gabriel, you were born there and now return to portray it through The Coast of Milagres. What did this project mean to you personally, revisiting your roots through cinema?
Gabriel: It means understanding who I am, revisiting my roots, and the prior cultures that shaped not only Alagoas but Brazil. It’s always so inspiring to head back home after seasons abroad. Working on so many different projects, and then you find yourself immersed in what truly matters.
What drew you to each other’s work, and what made this collaboration between music and film feel so natural?
Damian: We wanted to create an artistic statement leading into this new festival and give viewers a surreal vision of the area. Milagres is a unique environment, with a rich tapestry of mysticism and beauty. To fulfil this idea, we looked for a local filmmaker who knows the land, its people, and its history — and we discovered Gabriel, who just happens to be an award-winning filmmaker. I guess this process and its result were as magical as the place itself.
Gabriel: Music and film have always been extremely aligned with each other, and Damian is such a visionary person. I couldn’t say no when it came to trying to bring his already ‘visual’ music into reality through a short film.
Gabriel: Music and film have always been extremely aligned with each other, and Damian is such a visionary person. I couldn’t say no when it came to trying to bring his already ‘visual’ music into reality through a short film.
“Day Zero is all about connecting music with indigenous myths and traditions, and at this event, we will examine ideas around the Tupi-Guarani creation cycle, sea spirits and guardians, and more.” Damian Lazarus
The short film feels poetic, blending documentary intimacy with dreamlike imagery. How did you find the right emotional tone to reflect the essence of Alagoas and the energy of the festival?
Gabriel: Alagoas already has all of those elements: we have a strong culture there, full of mysticism and folklore, surrounded by a gorgeous ocean. That was the easiest part.
Your filmmaking has always been human-centred, with truth, emotion, and attention to detail. How did you translate those values into the film’s imagery and rhythm?
Gabriel: I am truly attracted to beauty. Life for me has to be shaped by and surrounded by things that interest me — that goes for fashion, architecture, design, photography, etc. That perspective sort of helped me develop this sense and attention to detail. For me, life truly is in the details.
Each Day Zero edition carries a unique soul, from Tulum to Masada and now Brazil. How did the local traditions and myths of Milagres influence this new destination?
Damian: Having travelled extensively across Brazil over the years, it’s important for me to widen the mystical connection to the whole country, but pay particular attention to this area. In Gabriel’s film, you see us making the connection to the local legend of the fisherman who discovers a statue of a Saint that has healing powers. Day Zero is all about connecting music with indigenous myths and traditions, and at this event, we will examine ideas around the Tupi-Guarani creation cycle, sea spirits and guardians, and more.
The film shows coral reefs, coconut groves, and ancestral energy flowing through every frame. Would you say that nature became a main character in The Coast of Milagres?
Gabriel: It already is! The place is a true hidden gem. Time slows down there, and I’m looking forward to spending some time there soon.
The lineup merges global icons such as Black Coffee and Honey Dijon with Brazilian forces like Vintage Culture, Anna, and Mochakk. How important was this dialogue between the global and the local?
Damian: We have been blessed with this first edition in that everyone we requested to play with us jumped at the chance. I think artists appreciate our attention to detail, our ideas, and our understanding of what makes an incredible festival. We’ve set out to balance the finest Brazilian artists with the most exciting international DJs.
What was the most revealing moment during filming? Was there an encounter, an image, or a story that changed how you perceived your own land?
Gabriel: Our deep conversations with ‘Seu Cici’, a local fisherman, were definitely the most interesting part. Collaborating with him and getting him into acting wasn’t an easy task; they’re just not used to that. But it was a beautiful learning process where we both could learn from each other.
Sunrise at Day Zero has become almost ceremonial. After all these years, what does that first light mean to you, both artistically and personally?
Damian: It’s everything for me. It’s a ritual, an emotional moment to connect with nature and attempt to create the perfect soundtrack to the perfect backdrop.
You both explore transformation, one through music, the other through moving image. Do you see art itself as a kind of modern ritual?
Damian: The best art comes from the soul. To make the best art, you must have all your channels open, be focused yet playful, experimental but with direction. This, for me, is ritualistic. Not knowing your destination whilst knowing your destination. Creating magic with sound or visuals is a holy experience.
Gabriel: It truly is. Now imagine an immersive experience down in Alagoas with Day Zero? No words can explain what’s gonna be. You’ve got to come live it and draw your own conclusions.
Gabriel: It truly is. Now imagine an immersive experience down in Alagoas with Day Zero? No words can explain what’s gonna be. You’ve got to come live it and draw your own conclusions.
“I love telling underdog stories and highlighting things that sometimes can go unseen, so Alice and this film for Day Zero truly inspired me to portray those stories in the most authentic and inspiring way.” Gabriel Novis
After the success of Alice and your recognition at Hot Docs, how did it feel to return home and work on something so intimate and deeply connected to your own heritage?
Gabriel: Going around the world premiering Alice has been completely crazy — good crazy! I’m naturally drawn to stories that have something to do with who I really am, to the place where I come from. I love telling underdog stories and highlighting things that sometimes can go unseen, so Alice and this film for Day Zero truly inspired me to portray those stories in the most authentic and inspiring way.
Beyond its music, Day Zero represents respect for the land and for cultural continuity. How do you preserve that authenticity as the project grows globally?
Damian: As an organisation, we take our protection of the environment very seriously. At each event, we undertake many activations to protect the land and its natural inhabitants, and we are constantly evolving in this area to be as conscious as possible in everything we do.
If you had to capture the soul of Milagres in one frame from the film, which moment would that be?
Gabriel: This is a haaaaaard one (laughs). I think that would be our fisherman character, Seu Cici, staring at the big Day Zero crystal in the palm tree fields. That shot has a crazy sense of wow, and it represents what’s coming, what Day Zero will bring to Brazil. I can’t wait!
What do you both hope people will feel after watching The Coast of Milagres and experiencing Day Zero in Brazil for the very first time?
Damian: Mystery, wonder, and fulfillment.
Gabriel: I don’t hope for anything when making my films. They’re truly a way for me to express myself through past, present, and future feelings. It felt good to immerse myself in this project, so if people feel the same way, that’s great! If not, I had a good time and it was good for me. As for the festival, it’s Day Zero… We know what to expect, and it’s gonna be insane!
Gabriel: I don’t hope for anything when making my films. They’re truly a way for me to express myself through past, present, and future feelings. It felt good to immerse myself in this project, so if people feel the same way, that’s great! If not, I had a good time and it was good for me. As for the festival, it’s Day Zero… We know what to expect, and it’s gonna be insane!
