28th Festroia International Film Festival

This year’s edition of Festroia represents the hope of success and improvement, in spite of further cutbacks to its modest budget. Festroia returns to the Luisa Todi theater after three years of renovation, during which the festival wandered between the lecture hall of a religious facility and the square in front of the beautiful Church of Jesus. The 19th century theater, now radically changed in its interior, is dedicated to the great 18th century opera singer born in this city, who performed throughout Europe and was considered one of the best voices of her age. The festival, whose official competition features nations which produce less than 30 titles a year, nourishes creativity in sections such as First Works and Man and his Environment. The festival directors give a Mário Ventura Award, named in honor of Festroia’s founder, for the best script of a European short film. Other interesting sections covering a range of European titles include European Thrillers (11 titles), the Juvenile Panorama (4 features), and the Children’s Programme (6 shorts). Every year, Festroia honors a featured country: this year, the Homage to Croatian Cinematography offers seven representative films from this interesting filmmaking industry. In all, there were 180 films playing in two theaters, with enthusiastic audiences packed for every show: quite a big success for a Festival which depends entirely on volunteers. (Furio Fossati)

Festroia International Film Festival: www.festroia.pt