My Experience Creating and Directing the Moinho Cine Fest

The Moinho Cine Fest was born out of a need I felt as a filmmaker. Throughout my journey, I encountered short, micro and nanofilms with strength, intention and sensitivity, yet they rarely found space within traditional circuits. These were works small in duration but large in artistic vision. A place was missing where this kind of cinema could exist with attention, respect and freedom.

I decided to create that place.

I moved forward with the first edition driven by the desire to open space for short cinema and bring filmmakers closer to the audience. At the time, I was not a festival programmer, but I had the experience of watching, studying and following short films, and I knew there was an entire universe of works that deserved to be shown.

From the beginning, I took on the direction of the festival: I defined its identity, built the programming, established curatorial criteria and shaped how Moinho relates to the community. Over time, the festival grew, received more than 5,700 films from over 120 countries, gained international recognition and became a meeting point for those who believe in short cinema as a space for experimentation and authenticity.

This website brings together that journey. Here I present the festival I created and direct, organise all its editions and provide the catalogues that document the history of the Moinho Cine Fest. Each catalogue contains all the information about its respective edition, including selected films, represented countries, programming, sessions, official materials and photographs. This space showcases my work as the festival’s creator, programmer and director, where my practice as a filmmaker intersects with the cultural impact of Moinho.

What Defines the Moinho Cine Fest

The Moinho Cine Fest is an international festival dedicated to short, micro and nano films. It values intention, perspective and the sensitivity of each filmmaker. Technique is recognised, but it is not the only criterion: I look for films with authenticity, purpose and a unique point of view on the world.

The festival presents itself as a space for discovery, diversity and artistic freedom. The programming brings together works from different countries and connects emerging and established filmmakers. It maintains a close relationship with the audience and with the community of Matosinhos, creating a welcoming and accessible environment.

Moinho exists to value short cinema as a form of expression capable of concentrating ideas and emotions with intensity.

Territory

The Moinho Cine Fest takes place in Matosinhos. Its name refers to the memory of the old mills along the Leça River, evoking movement, transformation and renewal, a metaphor for short cinema, made of small gestures and intense moments.

Next Edition of the Moinho Cine Fest

Submissions for the next edition of the Moinho Cine Fest are now open. I continue to develop the programming, curatorship and visual identity, maintaining the commitment to short cinema and to the diversity of voices that define the festival. The new edition will follow the artistic line I have built over the years, valuing films that reveal intention, authenticity and a unique perspective on the world.

📄 Edition Regulations

Filmmakers can submit their works through the following international platforms:

Festival Editions

2026 — 8th Edition

Created and directed by André Almeida Rodrigues.
Organisation: Anartem – Cultural Association.
Promotion: Custóias Parish Council.
346 submissions from 47 countries. 41 films selected from 16 countries.

2025 — 7th Edition

Created and directed by André Almeida Rodrigues.
Organisation: Anartem – Cultural Association.
Promotion: Union of the Parishes of Custóias, Leça do Balio and Guifões.
425 submissions from 54 countries. 50 films selected from 20 countries.

2024 — 6th Edition

Created and directed by André Almeida Rodrigues.
Organisation: Anartem – Cultural Association.
Promotion: Union of the Parishes of Custóias, Leça do Balio and Guifões.
656 submissions from 50 countries. 38 films selected from 18 countries.

2023 — 5th Edition

Created and directed by André Almeida Rodrigues.
Organisation: Anartem – Cultural Association.
Promotion: Union of the Parishes of Custóias, Leça do Balio and Guifões.
590 submissions from 61 countries. 54 films selected from 26 countries.

2022 — 4th Edition

Created and directed by André Almeida Rodrigues.
Organisation: Anartem – Cultural Association..
Promotion: Union of the Parishes of Custóias, Leça do Balio and Guifões.
421 submissions from 57 countries. 107 films selected from 33 countries.

2021 — 3rd Edition

Created and directed by André Almeida Rodrigues.
Organisation: Anartem – Cultural Association..
Promotion: Union of the Parishes of Custóias, Leça do Balio and Guifões.
639 submissions from 63 countries. 94 films selected.

2020 — 2nd Edition

Created and directed by André Almeida Rodrigues.
Organisation: anartem Cultural Association.
Promotion: Union of the Parishes of Custóias, Leça do Balio and Guifões.
Competition categories: Short film, Micro film, Nano film.
2142 submissions from 103 countries. 100 films selected from 47 countries.

2019 — 1st Edition

Created and directed by André Almeida Rodrigues.
Organisation and Promotion: Orfeão de Matosinhos.
570 submissions from 70 countries. 63 films selected from 38 countries.
In 2019 the festival was still called M Film Festival.

Edition Catalogues

Editions Gallery (2019–2026)

A visual selection showcasing the journey of the Moinho Cine Fest across its eight editions. Each gallery represents a distinct moment in the festival’s evolution.