The president of the Experimental Theatre of Chaves (TEF), Alexandrina Martins, highlighted that this year’s festival revisits themes of interiority and isolation, describing them as key concepts broad enough to characterize the region. These themes resonate with the unique context the festival is set in, even as they extend beyond geographical borders.
“Interiority is not necessarily a geographical issue; it can also be psychological, much like isolation. This is why mental health has relevance to our festival. Additionally, we aim to showcase that beyond the mountains, significant work is done. We strive to promote cinema alongside the region’s heritage, gastronomy, and the city itself,” Martins explained.
The Entre Curtas festival, launched today, aims to highlight the cultural and artistic dynamics of the Chaves region, located in northern Vila Real and bordering Galicia, Spain. It seeks to boost independent filmmaking across the two regions.
Organized by the TEF with local partnerships and volunteer support, the festival will take place at the Cineteatro Bento Martins over six days, extending two days longer than in 2024.
This second edition introduces four categories in competition: “music videos” join the existing national, international, and Entr’Escolas categories, the latter featuring productions by young university students from Portugal and Galicia.
Alexandrina Martins revealed that the opening gala on May 12 will include a screening of a short film by Chaves director André Mergulhão.
The program will also feature “some musical surprises,” screenings by category, and two discussion panels. One will share experiences from international film festivals, and the other will focus on the National Cinema Plan, highlighting its significant work within the school community, the official noted.
Although not specifying an exact number, the TEF president indicated there will be “more short films in competition” than in 2024, which featured 28 productions from eight countries. Consequently, the organization hopes to “exceed the expectations and visitor numbers of last year,” following a “very positive” inaugural edition.
