Algarve International Film Festival 2010
The Algarve International Film Festival, known locally as the Festival Internacional de Cine do Algarve, is Portugal’s oldest cinema event dating back to 1972. Held annually in the town of Portimao, the festival’s main focus is a short film competition, whereby contestants submit either animated or live 35mm shorts.
A panel of judges decide an overall winner as well as giving prizes to winners of various other categories including, Best Film about the Algarve, Best Film about Nature and the Environment, Best Film by a Portuguese Director, and the slightly peculiar, Best Film with a Message of Love and Peace Amongst Men.
Whilst the main hub of the activity occurs in Portimao, the festival’s cinematic gaieties seep their away across much of the Algarve and there are usually screenings shown in Alvor, Lagao, Lagos, Silves, Guia, Monchique, Messines, Loule, Faro, Saboia, Milfontes, Mexihoeira de Carregacao, Mexihoeira Grande, Albufeira, Olhao, Tavira and Ourique. The films are screened in their native language with subtitles.
Jetting off to the Algarve in mid-November to catch a glimpse of the most avant-garde and remarkable filmmaking in contemporary European cinema, is a great excuse to soak up some sun the Algarve is usually blessed with in November, as well as visiting some of the most interesting and sought-after towns and villages in this beautiful region of Portugal. If you are looking for a private villa in the Algarve, click here.
Whilst many other holiday resorts are a wishy-washy ghost town during this time of year, the Algarve really is alive and buzzing throughout the ten days the International Film Festival is on. Locals and tourists alike relax and enjoy the vibe that celebrates a mix of the early days of European cinema and a contemporary passion for recent innovations and developments within the world of filmmaking and the growing importance of the Portuguese art scene.
To experience this culturally enhancing event in the most picturesque, relaxing and climatically-friendly of places, visit the Algarve International Film Festival website: www.algarvefilmfest.com