The IndieLisboa International Film Festival mainly shows works that are outside the radar of regular film distribution, shaped by dominant production and exhibition. Every year, screening more than two hundred films, IndieLisboa attracts audiences and film professionals from around the world, giving them the opportunity to discover recent films by emerging talents and rediscover renowned authors. The festival’s sections also include thematic programmes that promote debate on relevant issues, with the aim of presenting a conceptually and geographically diverse selection.

The main sections of IndieLisboa are competitive programmes consisting of world, international or national premieres. With rare exceptions, the films selected for the various sections have their national premiere at the festival. IndieJúnior, the festival’s children’s/youth section, is crucial for the film literacy of younger viewers and for the formation of new audiences. The festival also promotes the discovery of recent Portuguese films through its national competitions and its activities aimed at professional audiences.

IndieLisboa is also a festival that places special emphasis on programming specifically designed for the industry (an audience of film professionals, including directors, producers, sales agents, programmers, critics, etc.). This core of activities that run parallel to the regular screening of films – workshops, masterclasses, debates, screenplay laboratory, film support fund, pitching forum, screening of works in progress, networking events, etc. – is constantly and continuously expanding, actively contributing to the promotion of a more diverse film exhibition and distribution network.

Competitive Sections

International Competition

Section comprising first, second and third works never before shown publicly in Portugal. They were completed in the year of the festival or the previous year. Feature films and short films compete in this section (in separate programmes).

National Competition

The National Competition brings together Portuguese feature films and short films, most of which are having their world premiere at IndieLisboa.

Silvestre

Showcasing works by young filmmakers and established authors, this section finds its norm in uniqueness. Under Silvestre’s wing, we show works that reject established formulas, awaken new languages, and whose rebelliousness mirrors the spirit of the festival.

Brand New

Competitive section consisting of a set of films by young filmmakers who are taking their first steps. Some made their films in a school context, others were fearless enough to make their first work on their own, without any support. Portugal continues to affirm new voices in the cinematographic context that we want to support and showcase.

IndieMusic

The connection between cinema and music is at the heart of this competitive section. At IndieMusic, we embrace films about musicians and bands from around the world, often delving into the historical, political, and social contexts that accompany musical movements. These small revolutions are mirrored in the night-time programme of concerts and parties, IndiebyNight.

Smart7

A new cooperation alliance has been formed, bringing together seven festivals from seven different countries with the aim of promoting the circulation of European titles. The section is competitive, itinerant and collaborative, and features a selection of seven films chosen to represent all member countries.

Non-Competitive Sections

IndieJúnior

This fundamental section of IndieLisboa is dedicated to younger viewers. IndieJúnior aims to contribute to the aesthetic and cultural education of children and young people through an artistic and playful experience that differs from their usual consumption of moving images, whether on television or in commercial cinemas. The film programme is complemented by a series of workshops, cultural activities and creative spaces designed for children, families and schools.

Retrospectives

Section dedicated to looking at the past of cinema, providing rediscoveries that contribute significantly to the enrichment of the contemporary gaze.

Director’s Cut

Cinema classics, masterpieces, and obscure gems.

Mouth of Madness

This section features works that break down boundaries of genre and theme, without taboos. It includes unsettling films, divisive themes, and works that are best understood (and digested) under the sign of midnight.

Rhizome

New section presenting a series of works highlighting relevant current issues, renowned filmmakers, and previews. A programme designed to engage the festival’s general audience around cinema as entertainment, reflection, and debate.