The perfect way to kick off Curtas Pro. Join fellow filmmakers, producers, programmers, sales agents, and industry guests for an informal gathering before the programme begins. A moment to meet old friends, make new connections, and enjoy a drink together.

By invitation only.

This initiative prepares directors and producers of the short films selected for the In Development activity to present their projects in public in a succinct, interesting, and effective way. By promoting a good command of communication tools, the workshop will help establish contacts between film professionals and boost co-productions. The Pitching Workshop is led by Wim Vanacker and organised in collaboration with Wallonie Bruxelles Images, Flanders Image, Acción Cultural Española, the Embassy of Spain in Portugal, Navarra Film Industry – NICDO, and Portugal Film Commission.

Open to representatives of the films selected for In Development.

Fiction, animation, documentary, and experimental short films from Portugal, Belgium, and Spain in the early stages of development are pitched to international producers, programmers, sales agents, and distributors. This activity aims to foster co-production between production companies from different countries and promote collaborations with various industry professionals. In Development is organised in collaboration with Wallonie Bruxelles Images, Flanders Image, Acción Cultural Española, the Embassy of Spain in Portugal, and Navarra Film Industry – NICDO. An independent jury will hand out two awards:

In Development Award:

– 3000 EUR for the production of the film (by Croatian Audiovisual Centre);

– an in-depth online script consultancy session with one of the MIDPOINT Institute experts (by MIDPOINT Institute);

– a sustainability consultancy service, comprising three sessions (by Repensar – Association of Portugal’s Green Consultants).

Next Cut Award:

– 6000 EUR in audio post-production services and one sound consultancy session (by Pulsar Studios);

– 400 EUR in submissions on the Festhome platform (by Festhome).

Jury Members

Florian Fernandez | head of Short Film Corner | Rendez-vous Industry, programming consultant and member of the short film pre-selection committee at Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, associate programmer for the Doc Shorts section at SXSW, and distribution at Solal Films.

Sarah Schlüssel | member of the Berlinale Shorts selection committee.

Sofia Tocar | festival distribution of short films at Square Eyes.

Open to all Industry accreditation holders.

Following the In Development pitching sessions, representatives of the selected films participate in a series of personalised meetings with producers, programmers, sales agents, distributors, and other industry professionals. Tailored to the specific needs and profile of each project, the One-to-One Meetings encourage co-production opportunities, strengthen professional networks, and create meaningful connections between emerging films and the international short film sector.

Subject to registration.

These are private screenings of short films from Portugal, Belgium, and Spain in post-production or already completed which are looking for their world premiere. Aimed at international programmers, sales agents, distributors, and broadcasters, this activity encourages the circulation of new films at festivals, television networks, and streaming platforms. The Industry Screenings are organised in collaboration with Agência – Portuguese Short Film Agency, Wallonie Bruxelles Images, Flanders Image, Acción Cultural Española, the Embassy of Spain in Portugal, and Axencia Galega das Industrias Culturais.

By invitation only.

Following an initial wave of enthusiasm around sustainability in film production, the sector now finds itself at a moment of lull. Was sustainability merely a passing trend, or does it represent a structural transformation which is still taking shape? This round table recentres the debate on this matter, affirming environmental, social, and cultural sustainability as an urgent priority in the sector, at a time when new ecological goals are anticipated in public film funding. Starting with a reflection on recent changes in this area, the discussion will then address the case study of “The Singular Enchantment of Madame P.”, directed by Sara Driver, produced by Jim Jarmusch and Rodrigo Areias, and currently in post-production, as an example of the implementation of sustainable practices in a real production context. Moderated by Ana Marques (Portugal Film Commission) and with the participation of Rodrigo Areias (Bando à Parte), Dörte Schneider Garcia and Rita Lacerda (Repensar – Association of Portugal’s Green Consultants), this round table is organised in collaboration with Portugal Film Commission.

Free admission.

At a time when the film industry is saturated with content and short films are still often perceived as a stepping stone towards feature filmmaking, it is essential to reimagine the short film ecosystem, strengthening its sustainability, relevance, and impact. More than just a transitional format, the short film is an artistic form in its own right, an autonomous realm of spontaneity, freedom, and experimentation. In redefining this paradigm, sales agents play a key role. This round table aims to reflect on the ongoing transformations in the distribution models for short films, examining how sales agents are adapting to an ever-changing landscape. What strategies are being developed to increase the visibility and longevity of these works? What priorities currently guide the sector? How are they anticipating and responding to future challenges? With the participation of Sofia Tocar (Square Eyes), Andréa Goncalves (Manifest), and Josep Prim (Marvin&Wayne), the round table is moderated by Sanne Jehoul (onzer films) and Joaquim Pedro Pinheiro (Agência – Portuguese Short Film Agency). This event is organised in collaboration with Creative Europe MEDIA Desk Portugal.

Free admission.

Meet the Festivals is an opportunity for directors, producers, sales agents, and film schools to meet with programmers from the most important international festivals which hold short film competitions. This activity facilitates encounters and dialogue between creators and programmers, presents the specificities of each event, and promotes the screening of films on the international circuit.

Subject to registration.

Designed for filmmakers whose films have been selected for the Take One! Competition at Curtas Vila do Conde – International Film Festival, this think tank supports emerging artists who are at the beginning of their careers and looking for a space to grow, network, and become part of the film industry. Combining collective discussion and practical advice, this activity addresses the challenges of entering the professional world and building a sustainable career in cinema. Then, a filmmaker, a programmer, and a sales agent share their own experiences, offer guidance, and answer questions from participants, creating an informal space for exchange, reflection, and professional development.

Open to representatives of films selected for the Take One! Competition.

The Industry Pass is aimed at professionals in the film and audiovisual industry who wish to attend the exclusive events of Curtas Pro (20 to 22 July 2026) at the 34th Curtas Vila do Conde. This accreditation gives access to: