The city of Viana do Castelo is set to host its annual film festival, with events scheduled from May 5 to 14, as stated by Rui Ramos during a press conference. Ramos underscored the “resilience” of the Ao Norte association, bolstered by the support from the Viana do Castelo City Council, emphasizing that this alone is cause for celebration.
Ramos remarked, “It is challenging to promote such events on the outskirts of major urban centers. However, we have endured with the municipality’s partnership, without which this would not be possible.”
This year’s festival operates on a budget of approximately 50,000 euros, supplemented by logistical support from the local government to facilitate the event.
At the meeting with the press, the event was attended by Manuel Vitorino, the City Council’s Culture Councilor, who refrained from commenting due to the forthcoming municipal elections. Ramos highlighted that the Film Encounters aim to “cultivate new audiences” and are increasingly becoming the sole opportunity for children to experience the “sacred” space of cinemas.
Over 25 years, the event has drawn 220,000 participants, hosted hundreds of activities, and screened more than 340 films, featuring 110 national and international directors, Ramos noted.
“We have organized 115 workshops, masterclasses, and training sessions targeting a variety of audiences, particularly focusing on the educational community, students, and teachers of all education levels,” he added.
The Viana do Castelo Film Encounters have “brought cinema into schools and schools to the cinema, with over 70 film cycles presented.”
“This year, more than three thousand students from various educational levels have registered for the School Goes to the Cinema sessions, taking place from May 5 to 14,” emphasized Ramos.
The highlight of the competitive sections, according to Ramos, is the Olhares Frontais, occurring from May 9 to 11 at the Sá de Miranda municipal theater. This section, with a strong focus on audiovisual literacy, will feature the participation of director Pedro Sena Nunes in “a living observatory composed of representatives from various cinematic territories.”
This year’s Olhares Frontais theme, “Crossed Times, Artificial Intelligence in Reflection,” will showcase films competing for the PrimeirOlhar Award, a selection of the best European short films of 2024, discussions, and two film screenings.
On May 9, the film “Cartas Telepáticas,” by Edgar Pêra, will be featured, followed by “O Manuscrito Perdido” by José Barahona on May 10.
Ramos highlighted the PrimeirOlhar Awards, noting 21 films are in competition this year.
The PrimeirOlhar Award, with a prize of 1,500 euros, the PrimeirOlhar Cineclubes Award valued at 1,000 euros, and the PrimeirOlhar Graça Lobo Award (500 euros) will be granted.
The AÇÃO 11! Luso-Galician School Video Festival, targeting students from primary to secondary levels, sees 40 films in contention, with winners and their schools receiving a diploma and 700 euros in audiovisual production materials.
Rui Ramos mentioned the 14th International Cinema Conference, happening from May 7 to 9 at the Higher School of Education in Viana do Castelo, noting a “significant increase in participation from Galicia,” attributed to Viana do Castelo being the Capital of Culture of the Atlantic Axis this year.
The program includes Histories in the Square, which “provides students with a cinematic experience and seeks to raise awareness among participants about the creative process of filmmaking,” with over 100 films already produced.
