In the aftermath of each festival year, the programming team at Curtas conducts a careful analysis of various aspects to gauge the relative success of each decision made, not only through box office indicators but also through the collection of opinions, gathered both directly and indirectly. With this set of data, they search for new perspectives, possible connections with the festival’s history especially the most recent—and absolute novelties among works and authors that are making their mark on the global cinema scene, with special attention to names emerging among us and in Europe. 

There is, however, an idea that persists, perhaps still from this intricate game of options, which is resistance. Curtas has established itself as a festival impermeable to any pressure to conform to standardization, trivialization, and disinformation, widely propagated by various media, especially by channels that rely on immediate and unfiltered consumption, regarding what can or cannot be considered quality cinema. Five decades since the end of censorship, we believe the best approach to this issue is by persistently showcasing how cinema can be free, embracing its maximum diversity and Evolution as a language, free from rigid formulas and solely commercial intent. Hence, Curtas’ programming remains highly open-minded in its criteria for selecting the latest films, especially within competitive sections, seeking boldness and intensity, diversity and plurality, giving space to as many participating countries as possible, from young authors to those already established, achieving notable levels of inclusion and gender equality.

The concept of a festival inherently revolves around a grand celebration of a specific realm of artistic expression—in this instance, cinema. Yet again, Curtas will also embrace intersections with other contiguous areas, such as music and the visual arts. 

The Stereo expands to a broader version, both in musical genres and in variety of proposals, ranging from live performances of film music to more erratic and reactive sound and moving image experiences, which can even be generated randomly and with the aid of artificial intelligence.

The In Focus section honors works and authors who have played a significant role in shaping the identity of Curtas, embodying ideals of cinema and freedom. The complicity between the duo Bertrand Mandico and Elina Löwensohn serves as a theme for a program that develops two strands with several points of contact. Mandico proposes a set of films of his own, often with Elina as an actress, supported by sessions of films that somehow influenced or inspired him and chosen by him. Elina is the lead protagonist in three cult classic films from the 1990s, which we can revisit, taking us back to the years when the Curtas was born. Both the director and the actress will have dedicated moments to discuss their journeys, with Mandico conducting an interview with Elina. Surely, this will reveal a new perspective on her personal history and her role as a muse and actress.

Another filmmaker in focus, Alberto Vázquez will engage with the audience who knows him well – his film “Decorado” won the Audience Award in 2016 – and will now have the opportunity to showcase all of his films, both short and feature-length. Interestingly, the works of the featured authors have common traits like irreverence, iconoclasm, and nonconformity, mostly betting on mystical and somewhat surreal environments. They work with the symbolic nature of their characters and magical creatures set against bizarre or extravagant backdrops, engaging the viewer’s subconscious, which is led to wander through these undefined places and Interact with their (the characters’) ghosts. 

The New Voices program highlights the Catalan writer-director Laura Ferrés and the Greek director Yorgos Zois, who, after participating in the Curtas International Competition in previous years, have both recently achieved notable recognition in the contemporary European cinema scene. Like Mandico, all the other filmmakers featured in retrospectives – both in the In Focus and New Voices sections – curate personalized film selections that provide context for their works.

In addition to all these author retrospectives, it is important to highlight the presence of artist and filmmaker Morgan Quaintance, a two-time winner of the Curtas Experimental Competition. He has designed an exhibition route for Solar – Cinematic Art Gallery and a film program that includes both his own works and others. The connections between these works can be clarified during moments designated for interaction and experience sharing with the audience and accredited professionals: a master class and a guided tour. 

The prominence of Portuguese cinema is evidenced by the inclusion of national films in the International Competition, which are also repeated in exclusive sessions. Notably, there are two very special sessions: Rodrigo Areias will present his latest feature film with a live music performance, and Diogo Costa Amarante will premiere his new film in the North. Both are key filmmakers in the national scene and have significantly contributed to the development of Curtas, its programming ideas, and its current format.

Regarding Portuguese short films, a balance has been found between new entries from emerging filmmakers and some names whose participation has become, if not habitual, at least recurring. Additionally, there is an entire program aimed at accredited professionals, Curtas Pro, which promotes new productions, whether in the project stage seeking funding or in the development or finalization stage seeking a premiere at an international film festival. The educational component, Take One!, completes this offering with films representing various schools in the country and even Portuguese students abroad.

The future of the festival is shaped with each edition, taking on significant risk through bold programming choices while directly contributing to the future of Portuguese cinema. However, without a consistente effort to cultivate new audiences – for example, through the Curtinhas and My Generation programs, which extend and articulate its activities with the region’s educational community throughout the year it would not be possible to achieve this level of success. This year, from July 12 to 21, Vila do Conde will once again be the city of cinema. There are many films to discover in a packed program, featuring both recent premieres and unprecedented and unmissable references in Portuguese, European, and even world cinema.