Known above all for her touching and intimate approach to human emotions and experience, Laura Ferrés' films celebrate the resilience and humanity of ordinary people. Often focusing on stories of social exclusion, the struggle for survival, and family dynamics, her work delves into the complexities of everyday life, capturing - in an incredibly authentic, raw, and meticulously detailed way - moments of vulnerability, connection, and empathy. The program Curtas is dedicating to her will include screenings of "The Permanent Picture" (2023) and "The Disinherited" (2017), as well as a Carte Blanche with the author's choices and a talk.

Yorgos Zois' work has been recognised for its innovative and critical approach to the social and existential themes of today's world, from human alienation to power dynamics. Born in 1982, Zois studied Applied Engineering before turning to filmmaking at the Berlin Film Academy. His work has been acclaimed at international festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin and Rotterdam, establishing him as a unique voice in contemporary European cinema. As part of Curtas' focus on him, "Arcadia", his most recent feature film, will be screened - in its Portuguese premiere. The director will also be present in Vila do Conde, where he will take part in a talk.