Lisbon is set to host the 25th edition of MONSTRA, the Lisbon Animation Festival, from March 12th to March 22nd. This year’s festival promises a particularly dense program, showcasing 490 films and highlighting the theme of “Nature, and Sustainability.” The event marks a significant milestone for the festival, which was founded in 2000 and has become a key international platform for animated cinema.
MONSTRA’s anniversary edition will feature 47 Portuguese works and seven long-form films in official international competition, with five of those making their Portuguese premiere. Beyond the screenings, the festival intends to honor the history of animation with surprises, homages, and special projections. The festival’s commitment to artistic exploration and interdisciplinary collaboration continues to draw filmmakers and audiences from around the globe.
A strong Francophone presence will be felt throughout the festival, coinciding with the “Mois de la Francophonie.” Productions from France, Belgium, Canada/Québec, Luxembourg, and Switzerland will be featured, including Oscar-nominated films. Among the highlights are La Petite Amélie ou le Caractère de la pluie and Arco by Ugo Bienvenu, both of which have received nominations for the 2026 Academy Awards and will be presented as special screenings.
A Diverse Program of Francophone Animation
The festival’s program boasts a wide array of animated films from French-speaking countries. From France, attendees can gaze forward to Bird Calls by Lucas Boisard (2025), A Magnificent Life – Marcel et Monsieur Pagnol by Sylvain Chomet (2025), Little Amélie or the Character of Rain by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han (2025), and God is shy by Jocelyn Charles (2025). Further French contributions include Sisowath Quay by Stéphanie Lansaque and François Leroy (2025), Dandelion’s Odyssey by Momoko Seto (2025), Rhizome by Boris Labbé (2015), The Songbirds’ Secret by Antoine Lanciaux (2025), Strange Teen Spirit by Frank Ternier (2025), Hôtel les pieds dans l’eau by Maya Vriens (2025), Le Jardin Rossini by a collective of artists including William Burger and Siméon Jacob (2025), In the Shade of the Sheets by Lina Saïdani (2025), The Green Ray by Louis Fourel (2024), The Flowers of Malva by Estelle Martin and others (2025), Chair Cemetery by Alicia Lévy (2024), Sleep Tight by Aliénor Ghys and others (2024), and MUCUS by Bastier Flore (2025).
Belgium will be represented by I Was Hot in My Dark Clothes by Marius Hébert (2025), JUDY1964 by Marie-Hélène Van Thuyne (2025), Little Story by Mirjam Plettinx (2024), The Eagle and the Kinglet by Paul Jadoul (2024), and Cloud Fish by Noe Garcia (2025). From Canada/Québec, the lineup includes Blood Manifesto by Theodore Ushev (2014), Double Trouble by Sophie-Louise Carter (2025), Bisou Sauvage by Bahij Jaroudi (2025), Imprint by Duncan Major (2025), and Bread Will Walk by Alex Boya (2025). Luxembourg will contribute Una Furtiva Lagrima by Carlo Vogele (2011) and a co-production, Allah Is Not Obliged by Zaven Najjar. Finally, Switzerland will showcase I’m not sure by Luisa Zürcher (2025), Chaos Ex Machina by Zoltan Horvath (2025), Storytelling by Nils Hedinger (2024), Bookwyrms by Mona Joana Gassner and others (2025), Hunting by Lea Favre (2024), and Danger Island by Nicolas Mahler (2025).
MONSTRINHA: Animation for Young Audiences
Alongside the main festival program, MONSTRINHA offers a dedicated program for young audiences and families, taking place on the weekends of March 14-15 and 21-22. This section will feature age-appropriate short and long-form films, “Baby Monstra” sessions, and animation workshops. Films like Arco and Flow, last year’s Oscar winner for Best International Film, will be screened, with a special focus on Latvian animation.
Films will be screened at several Lisbon cinemas, including Cinema São Jorge (general admission €5, daily pass €7, reduced rates available), Cinema City Alvalade (general admission €5), and Cinemateca Portuguesa (general admission €3.20, with reduced rates). MONSTRINHA screenings will take place at Museu Nacional de Etnologia (general admission €5, reduced €2.50, free for children under 12), AMAS (Auditório Municipal António Silva) (general admission €5, reduced €2.50), Centro Cultural de Carnide (general admission €5, reduced €4, €1 for children), Academia Almadense (general admission €2.50, €1 for children), Quinta Alegre – Um Teatro em Cada Bairro (free admission), and Cine-Teatro Turim (general admission €4.50, with various reduced rates).
As MONSTRA celebrates its 25th anniversary, the festival continues to be a vital platform for animated film, fostering creativity and dialogue around important themes like nature and sustainability. Further information on tickets can be found at [email protected], and the full program details are available at Festa da Francofonia – MONSTRA Festival.
What will be the lasting impact of this year’s focus on sustainability within the animation world? The festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and thought-provoking films promises a compelling experience for animation enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Share your thoughts on the festival and the growing role of environmental themes in cinema in the comments below.
