Lisbon International Animation Festival 2026
Lisbon is set to come alive once again with colour, movement and imagination: MONSTRA – Lisbon Animation Festival returns from 12 to 22 March 2026 with its 26th edition. This much-loved festival has, since its inception in 2000, cultivated a space where animated film meets other media and arts, celebrating experimentation, artistic transversality and new aesthetic perspectives. Zippy Frames+4FilmFreeway+4monstrafestival.com+4
What is MONSTRA?
- MONSTRA is Lisbon’s international film festival dedicated to animation. It showcases not only narrative, feature and short films, but also experimental, abstract works, installations, exhibitions, masterclasses and workshops. FilmFreeway+4Festagent+4Turismo de Lisboa+4
- The festival also has a children and youth strand called MONSTRINHA, which brings animation to younger audiences and offers curated programming especially for them. monstrafestival.com+2FilmFreeway+2
- Its goals include promoting international and Portuguese animated film, providing platforms for emerging artists (student work), facilitating encounters across disciplines (animation + interactive media, music, visual arts), and offering learning opportunities through workshops and talks. FilmFreeway+3Festagent+3Turismo de Lisboa+3
Key Details for MONSTRA 2026
| Item | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | 12-22 March 2026 Zippy Frames+3animation-festivals.com+3Turismo de Lisboa+3 |
| Edition | 26th edition of the festival FilmFreeway+2Zippy Frames+2 |
| Theme / Guest Country | (TBC) — previous editions have included a guest country (e.g. Austria) and retrospective or focus exhibitions. FilmFreeway+2Turismo de Lisboa+2 |
| Venues | Key venues in Lisbon include Cinema São Jorge, Cinemateca Portuguesa – Museu do Cinema, Cinema City Alvalade, among others. FilmFreeway+2Turismo de Lisboa+2 |
| Categories / Competitions | Feature Films, Short Films, Student Short Films, Super-Short Films, Portuguese Competition (Vasco Granja), and MONSTRINHA (Children/Youth) FilmFreeway+2Festagent+2 |
| Submissions Deadlines | For MONSTRA 2026: International competition entries until ~12 October 2025; Portuguese Competition until ~12 December 2025. Zippy Frames+2animation-festivals.com+2 |
| Regulations / Animation Definition | Animation must be image-by-image; no strict aesthetic or thematic constraints; animated sequences typically must form a certain percentage of the film duration. Zippy Frames+2Festagent+2 |
What to Expect & Highlights
- Hundreds of films: from world, European and Portuguese premieres. FilmFreeway+2Turismo de Lisboa+2
- Retrospectives and curated screenings: previous editions have included experimental and abstract animation, and exhibitions linked to film production. Time Out Worldwide+2monstrafestival.com+2
- Workshops, talks & masterclasses: for filmmakers, students, and animation enthusiasts. Turismo de Lisboa+2Festagent+2
- Programs for younger audiences: MONSTRINHA offers specially curated animation films for children and youth. monstrafestival.com+1
Why Go
- For film lovers: see the latest animation from around the world, including rare or experimental works you wouldn’t find elsewhere.
- For creatives / students: network, learn, and be inspired by the fusion of animation with other art forms.
- For families: with MONSTRINHA, great content for children in a festival setting.
- For Lisbon culture: MONSTRA is one of the city’s recurring highlight events, bringing together audiences and artists, and activating many cinema venues and galleries. Turismo de Lisboa+2Festagent+2
Practical Info
Submission & Participation: If you’re a filmmaker, keep track of submission deadlines (October / December 2025 depending on category). Zippy Frames+2animation-festivals.com+2
Where: Lisbon (multiple venues, including Cinema São Jorge; Cinemateca Portuguesa – Museu do Cinema; Cinema City Alvalade; etc.) FilmFreeway+2Turismo de Lisboa+2
When: 12-22 March 2026 animation-festivals.com+2Turismo de Lisboa+2
Tickets & Access: Check the official MONSTRA website for ticket prices, screening schedules, and access details. Many events are open to public; children/youth screenings via MONSTRINHA. Turismo de Lisboa+1
