official programme

‘Where Life Happens’ features films, debates and walks. The Official Programme features two world premieres: Where We Grow Older [2023], the third film in a trilogy created by Giovanna Borasi, Director of the CCA, and directed by Daniel Schwartz, and Back to the City [2023], by Sara Nunes, about the rehabilitation of the historic Bolhão Market in Porto. These sessions are complemented by a screening of The Death of a City [2022] by João Rosas, about the ongoing urban transformation in Lisbon. The films are followed by conversations with the directors, architects and users of the buildings. The Porto session is complemented by a guided tour of Albergues do Porto and Bolhão Market. In the evenings, a pop-up bar and ‘Drinks with Directors’ gives the public an opportunity to engage in casual conversations with the participants at INSTITUTO. On the last day, AFF founder Sofia Mourato and director Paulo Moreira will reflect on 10 years of AFF. The programme closes with a party at the Batalha Centro de Cinema bar. There will be installations by Angolan artist Toy Boy at INSTITUTO and in the Tribuna windows at Batalha.

competition programme

This year’s Open Call received 183 submissions, with 19 films from 16 different countries selected. The films will be screened at Casa Comum, a cultural venue located in the Rectory at the University of Porto. Organised into 7 thematic sessions, the films explore this year’s theme from different angles: Futures, Symphonies, Memory, Empathy, Materials, Communities and Female Gaze. Awards will be presented in the categories of ‘Best Documentary’, ‘Best Experimental Film’, ‘Best Fiction Film’, ‘Social Awareness’ [intended to recognise films that tackle issues of social and spatial justice, equality and cultural diversity] and ‘Audience Award’ [based on the votes of the public, who are invited to vote after each session]. The award-winning films will be announced on the evening of 30 June and screened again the following day at Batalha Centro de Cinema. A ceremony will be held prior to the screenings to present the winning directors with their certificates, which will be attended by the jury.

guest institution programme

The Canadian Centre for Architecture [CCA], an international research institution and museum, driven by a curiosity about how architecture shapes—and might reshape—contemporary life, presents an installation, screenings and talks as part of the Guest Institution Programme. In dialogue with this year’s theme ‘Where Life Happens’, the CCA’s programme reflects on the ways in which changing societies, new economic pressures and rising population density are affecting the homes of different communities. The soft-opening of the festival invites to the screening of What It Takes to Make a Home and When We Live Alone, the first two films in a three-part documentary series, conceived by Giovanna Borasi, directed by Daniel Schwartz and produced by the CCA. The CCA presents an installation around the question ‘What role can film have as a curatorial tool?’ at INSTITUTO [remaining open until 27 July], which is activated by ‘Lunchtime Toasts’, a series of conversations around films and other curatorial tools with invited guests and members of the CCA. The programme also includes a screening of selected films from the CCA collection and a debate on ‘Film & Publishing’ at Circo de Ideias. Giovanna Borasi, Director and Chief Curator of the CCA will be present at all the events.