Photographer and author Carlos Filipe presented his new book, (Im)Perfect Friendsa work that brings together real stories of animals with disabilities and which is seen as a life project dedicated to raising awareness of difference, resilience and unconditional love.
The book, which began to be created in 2018, will now reach the public in 2026, bringing together stories and images of animals that, despite physical and health adversities, became examples of overcoming. According to the author, it is an invitation to reflect on the way human beings view fragility and imperfection.
In the words of Carlos Filipe: “They called them ‘poorly finished’, ‘disgraces’, ‘miseries’. They said they should be slaughtered.”
The author explains that the project was born from the desire to give voice to stories that are often ignored, highlighting the transformative impact that these animals had on his personal and professional life:
“They were the ones who changed my life and today I can release them to the world through my photographs and texts so that others can be inspired to embrace difference and see the beauty where the common standard no longer lives”, says the author
Over the years, the project Friends (Im)Perfects toured schools, galleries and cultural spaces, moving audiences and encouraging the responsible adoption of animals with disabilities. Some of the protagonists of these stories have already disappeared, but, as the author says, they left a legacy that continues to be shared.
“This is my mission while I’m here and I want it to be replicated: spreading love with a name (im)perfect friends“, he adds.
With more than 400 pages of photographs and texts, in Portuguese and English, the book does not require any digital resources, offering an emotional and sensorial reading. Carlos Filipe describes the work as a true life guide:
“(Im)Perfect Friends It’s an instruction manual so we can enjoy every day of our lives with unique life lessons that changed me and I have an obligation to share with everyone”, highlights Carlos Filipe
The author considers the book a “silent revolution” and a call for empathy, highlighting that the physical imperfection of animals ends up revealing everyone’s humanity. “Because in the end, their imperfection turns into the humanity of all of us”, he concludes.
(Im)Perfect Friends It is now available for sale across the country, in regular bookstores. This is the third book by , who hopes to continue, with the support of the public, to show that all animals are perfect in their imperfection.
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