This year, CINANIMA is supported by the Technical University of Porto (UT Porto) in awarding the Gaston Roch International Student Award, an honour dedicated to promoting the next generation of animated directors.
The partnership between UT Porto and NASCENTE – Cooperativa de Ação Cultural, the organising body behind CINANIMA, was formalised on 18 September at a meeting held at the Rector’s Office of the Technical University of Porto.
Under this agreement, UT Porto will award a prize of 2,500 euros to the winning entry in the CINANIMA 2026 student film competition. The award aims to recognise the quality and creativity of work produced in an academic context, whilst raising the profile of young filmmakers who see animated film as a medium for experimentation and artistic expression.
The Gaston Roch Award is open to animated films made by students or recent graduates, with a maximum running time of 30 minutes, and is one of the competitions forming part of the CINANIMA programme.
The collaboration with the Technical University of Porto strengthens CINANIMA’s links with higher education institutions and the work carried out by new generations of animators. By bringing the Festival closer to schools and their students, this partnership helps to create new opportunities for recognition and success within the animation sector.
A commitment to training and discovering new talent is part of CINANIMA’s identity; throughout its history, it has supported and promoted the work of young filmmakers, encouraging creativity and diversity in animated film.
