MONSTRA | Lisbon Animation Festival is an event where animated films meet other media and arts, aiming to experiment and discuss ideas, crossing over new artistic approaches and forms, on which animated film is the ultimate narrative and aesthetic expression. The Festival’s main goal is to present and promote the best animated films made all over the world.

After an unforgettable edition in March this year, with over 400 films and 60.000 spectators, MONSTRA is now preparing for 2024. Between March 7 to 17 next year, the festival returns with several retrospectives, curated sessions, world and Portuguese premieres, and a special focus on a guest country: this time, Ireland!

Our competitive sections are: Feature Films, Short Films, Student Short Films, Super Short Films, Perspectives, Short Films for Children and Youth (MONSTRINHA) and Portuguese Short Films (Portuguese Competition | SPA / Vasco Granja).

Submissions for the Short Films for Children and Youth (MONSTRINHA) and International Competitions will be running until October 15, 2023. Filmmakers with selected films will be notified via email until February 2024.

Submissions for the Portuguese Competition are running until January 14, 2024.

For additional information and inquiries, please contact films@monstrafestival.com.

Awards & Prizes

Feature Film Competition:
- MONSTRA Grand-Prix: Best Feature Film
- Jury Special Award
- Best Soundtrack
- Best Film for Childhood and Youth
- Audience Award
- Honorable Mentions (if applicable)

Short Film Competition:
- MONSTRA Grand-Prix: Best Short Film
- Jury Special Award
- Best Portuguese Short Film
- Best Experimental Film
- Best Documentary Film
- Audience Award
- Honorable Mentions (if applicable)

Student Film Competition:
- Best Student Short Film
- Best Portuguese Student Short Film
- Best Student Short Film - Junior Jury
- Best Student Portuguese Short Film - Junior Jury
- Audience Award
- Honorable Mentions (if applicable)

Super Short Film Competition:
- Best Super Short Film
- Best Portuguese Super Short Film
- Honorable Mentions (if applicable)

Perspectives Competition:
- Audience Award

Short Films for Children and Youth Competition:
- MONSTRINHA Grand-Prix: Best Short Film for Children and Youth
- Audience Award
- Honorable Mentions (if applicable)

Portuguese Short Films Competition
- SPA / Vasco Granja Award
- Audience Award
- Honorable Mentions (if applicable)

Monetary Prizes and the Competition Jury will be announced on the festival's website by February 2023.

Rules & Terms

Please find the complete Regulations for MONSTRA 2023 on the festival's website.
www.monstrafestival.com/submissions

For additional information and inquiries, please contact: films@monstrafestival.com.
27 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Juliette Pons

    I had a great experience in Lisbon!

    April 2024
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  • Yoo Lee

    Tremendous lineup of animations from all around the world. It was such a thrill to be part of Monstra. The communication is excellent and my only regret is that I wasn't there in person. Now I will have to work harder to be worthy of the festival in the future! Thank you!

    March 2024
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  • Anh Tú Nguyen

    MONSTRA is like the city of Lisbon: warm, inviting, exciting and magical.
    I was staying for five nights and wish I could have stayed longer. The hostel where the filmmakers were accommodated was cozy and it was super cool to be put in a room with other animators from all over the world. The masterclasses were very insightful and the selection of films was interesting. There was plenty of time before and between screenings to explore the city and the country, which I highly recommend (go to the beach and swim!). I really enjoyed my time there and hope to return one rainy or sunny day.

    March 2024
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  • Pilar Newton

    I am so grateful that my short film "Last Class" was a part of Monstra Fest 2024! Such great communication, and friendly staff. Thank you Emanuella! The facilities were so great with an on-site cafe and an on-site bar providing plenty pf opportunities for a between screening bite, drink or just a chance to say hello to folks. Located centrally in beautiful Lisbon there was plenty of sight seeing. What a great experience!

    March 2024
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  • Laura Isabel Schneider

    Visiting Monstra for the first time was a wonderful experience. The team was very nice and supportive, especially Emanuela, and I was happy to meet so many amazing creatives who were showing their new works. My highlight was hearing Georges Schwizgebel's talk and seeing his new film! Thank you again for selecting "Hooked On Illusions" in the student competition!

    March 2024
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