About
the festival

In February 1976, a group of young people from Espinho conceived the pioneering idea of creating a showcase of animation and comic books, under the designation CINANIMA - an amalgamation of cinema and animation. This bold and innovative initiative was born out of the enthusiasm of this young group, challenging expectations by moving forward without any guarantee of financial support. Located in a coastal town, far from major urban centers, the initiative promoted the principle of cultural decentralization, paving the way for a new era in the promotion of cinematographic art. In November of the same year, the rehearsal took place that would give rise to the first international event dedicated exclusively to animation cinema in Portugal.

From November 23 to 27, the first edition of CINANIMA - International Animation Film Festival took place, marking the beginning of a tradition that would become the oldest film festival in Portugal and the third oldest in the world in the animation category. The jury, composed of prominent figures at the national level, such as Álvaro Costa (the "spiritual father of the Festival") and Vasco Granja, together with internationally recognized names such as René Laloux, Hélène Blanc, and Gaston Roch, a lifelong supporter of the Festival, helped to consolidate its reputation from the outset.

: During this crucial period, the first Organizing Committee of CINANIMA worked hard to promote and recognize the festival both nationally and internationally. Strategic partnerships and close relationships were established with renowned festivals such as Annecy, Zagreb, and Ottawa, solidifying its place in the global panorama of animation cinema.

António Gaio assumes the direction of the festival, marking the beginning of an era that would last until 2015, during which CINANIMA flourished and expanded its boundaries.

In this year, the festival expanded its program, including workshops, seminars, and exhibitions, providing valuable opportunities for animators and enthusiasts to delve deeper into the art of animation beyond screenings.

The international recognition of CINANIMA grew exponentially, with its acceptance by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and by ASIFA - International Animated Film Association, thus cementing its position as an influential force in the world of animation.

As a way of recognizing notable contributions to the art of animation, CINANIMA instituted the António Gaio Award.

In a remarkable milestone in its history, Michael Dudok de Wit's film "Father and Daughter" (Netherlands/UK) wins the Oscar™ for Best Animated Short Film, after winning the Grand Prize at CINANIMA in 2000, a testament to the festival's global impact.

This year marked a significant expansion of the festival, with exhibitions and events organized in various cities in Portugal, thus expanding its reach and impact on the national film community.

CINANIMA launches an ambitious educational program, collaborating with schools and universities to promote animation literacy and nurture emerging talent in this artistic field.

Sadly, the loss of António Gaio is marked, who led CINANIMA for 35 years with dedication and passion, leaving a lasting legacy in the Portuguese film community.

CINANIMA celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special edition full of retrospectives, masterclasses, and exhibitions that highlight the remarkable evolution of animation over four decades of history. João Machado, often acclaimed as a master of poster design, has been consistently recognized by GRAPHIS - The International Journal of Visual Communication over the past 20 years. This year, he was awarded three prizes, including one for the poster he created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of CINANIMA.

Regina Pessoa, a Portuguese animator, director, and illustrator internationally recognized for her work in animated films exploring themes such as identity, memory, and human emotions, taught a masterclass at CINANIMA on Animation Techniques and Visual Narrative.

Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, CINANIMA successfully adapted to a virtual format, ensuring that the audience continued to enjoy animated films from the comfort of their homes, shielded from the virus.

CINANIMA returns with in-person screenings and events, providing the audience with a renewed experience in theaters and venues in Espinho and beyond, reaffirming its commitment to celebrating the art of animation in all its forms.

A historic moment for Portuguese cinema, CINANIMA's Honorable Mention for Best Sound Design, "Ice Merchants," by João Gonzalez, is nominated for the Oscar™ for Best Animated Short Film, an unprecedented achievement for Portugal, as it is a recognition not only of João Gonzalez's talent as a director but also of Portuguese animation on the international stage.

In November of this year, CINANIMA marked a significant moment in the history of Portuguese animation by hosting a commemorative exhibition celebrating 100 years of this artistic medium in Espinho. The exhibition showcased the most significant moments, talented creators, and impactful works that defined a century of animation cinema in Portugal. The exhibition reaffirmed CINANIMA's commitment to promoting, preserving, and inspiring the art of animation, further consolidating the festival as a reference point for animation lovers worldwide. Also, the winner of the CINANIMA Grand Prize, "Our Uniform," by Yegane Moghaddam, is nominated for the Oscar™ for Best Animated Short Film, further enhancing the festival's reputation on the international scene.