Since September 2017, OKNA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION has been presenting BEAST IFF, an event shining a light over the Central & East European cinema landscape. While exploring the Balkans, Baltics or Post-Communism, BEAST IFF opened a cultural umbrella covering 21 countries, with a unique representation focusing on new talents and proposing works representing the New East in cinema. The festival is es
tablishing itself as a complex channel of contemporary culture from Central & Eastern Europe to Portugal, focused on cinema but extending its program with parallel activities such as exhibitions, masterclass sessions, workshops and unique related industry events. The festival structure is designed in a way that is able to provide a diverse collection of films, as part of the official competition, as well as the special programs such as Focus Country, Portuguese Abroad or BEAST KIDS. All of this contributes to bringing a broader and more complete selection to the big screens of Porto. Until now, BEAST International Film Festival presented over 300 films (short, medium length and feature) of which several world, European and Portuguese premieres, within 10 categories with more than 150 screening sessions including special line-ups of national and international guests. FESTIVAL STRUCTURE
EAST WAVE The category gives perspective over the best short and medium length fiction films of the last two years made in an Eastern Europe context. We expect to bring forth some of the best audio visual art while also supporting young promising directors. EAST DOC As a part of the competition, this section stands as a clear window towards Central & East European culture. It takes into consideration all works constructing motion pictures based on reality. experimentalEAST This very special section looks for directors ready to broaden the audio visual standard “rules” and to create their own. This includes every type of film that defies in any way the norm of storytelling. AnimaEAST A section dedicated to short and medium length animation films. FOCUS COUNTRY - A step forward with special activities from screenings, focus on new talents, schools or festivals while highlighting the contemporary cinematographic culture and ensuring a valuable contribution to the region. QUEER - The festival has been developing throughout the years a space for talks and screenings of LGBTQIA+ films in this section. BEAST KIDS - A special section bringing education to children and teenagers through the audio visual. It hosts films meant to extend the perspective of East European culture through the means of cinema. VISEGRAD FILM HUB - Proposing a broader experience through Visegrad Film Hub, an initiative supported by International Visegrad Fund. This project is a collaborative initiative between BEAST IFF and several institutions from the V4 countries. Visegrad Film Hub will provide support for the works of the region, activation of networks, and educational events, but will also focus on presenting regular screenings and developing an audience on the territory. The Visegrad Fund is an international donor organization, established in 2000 by the governments of the Visegrad Group countries, working to promote regional cooperation in the Visegrad region (V4) as well as between the V4 region and other countries.
