The IndieJúnior International Children’s and Youth Film Festival is returning to Porto for its 9th edition, running from January 27 to February 2, 2025. This year’s festival promises an exciting lineup of over 50 films, focusing on themes of community and social issues affecting children worldwide.
Where& When
- Dates: January 27 – February 2, 2025
- Location: Various venues across Porto
- Featured Films: Includes an exclusive screening of a Studio Ghibli film
- Educational Programs: Engaging school sessions and discussions
- Special Events: Collaboration with Porto Femme for female-centric short films
Festival Overview
The IndieJúnior Film Festival aims to create a platform for young audiences to engage with cinema that reflects their realities and challenges. This year, the festival’s theme revolves around community, addressing pressing global issues such as migration, war, and the protection of children’s rights. Irina Raimundo, the festival programmer, emphasized the importance of using film as a medium to foster empathy and collective growth among viewers.
Opening Ceremony
The festival will kick off with a special opening ceremony that not only showcases a selection of films but also facilitates a gathering of organizers, educators, parents, and partners. This collaborative spirit is essential for ensuring that the festival resonates with its target audience, which includes infants, children, teenagers, and young adults.
Educational Initiatives
One of the highlights of the festival is the educational project titled “I Program a Film Festival.” During this initiative, students from various schools will have the opportunity to watch and discuss films curated by their peers.
This program not only promotes film literacy but also encourages students to engage in meaningful conversations about the themes presented in the films.
Special Screenings and Collaborations
This year, the festival will feature a unique collaboration with the Porto Femme Festival, presenting a series of short films that explore various dimensions of growth and life from a female perspective. One notable film addresses the topic of menstruation, chosen by a class of boys, highlighting the importance of breaking societal taboos surrounding natural processes.
Additionally, the festival will host the “My First Film” segment, showcasing classic films. This year, Fátima Vieira, the Vice-Rector of the University of Porto, has selected “The Wizard of Oz” as a featured classic.
Notable Film Premieres
Among the exciting films to be screened is the much-anticipated Studio Ghibli production, “Ghost Cat Anzu,” which has garnered attention at the Cannes Film Festival. This animated feature will have its premiere at the IndieJúnior Festival, promising to delight fans of all ages.
