Sections in collaboration with European networks

The European Short Film Network (ESFN) was founded in 2018 to promote and strengthen European short films. The network consists of six festivals, including IndieLisboa and five others in Germany, the Netherlands, Croatia, Austria, and Sweden.

In 2026, the ESFN ventures into expanded cinema with an immersive installation by Spanish artist Luis Macías. In a project developed in partnership with THIS IS SHORT and the Lisbon Architecture Triennale, six 16mm projectors (showing images of the sun and the moon) are scattered throughout various spaces at the Sinel de Cordes Palace in Lisbon.

The SMART7 Competition returns to the 23rd edition of IndieLisboa with a new selection dedicated to emerging voices in European cinema.

Created to discover and support filmmakers at the beginning of their careers, the initiative brings together seven film festivals from across Europe. Each year, every festival selects a film from its country to be part of this curated program.

Representing Portugal is Óculos de Sol Pretos (Black Sunglasses), by Pedro Ramalhete.