CINEMA INTERNACIONAL

FILMS FROM FOUR CONTINENTS

From 22nd to 24th May, the Santarém International Film Festival presents the International Competition of its 18th edition. This programme highlights the diversity, originality, and strength of contemporary documentary cinema, featuring themes ranging from climate change to the preservation of ancestral knowledge.  

22nd May | 6.00 PM – 8.00 PM | Session 1

“Koki, Ciao”, by Quenton Miller (Netherlands, 11 min)  

A talking parrot who lived alongside historical figures of Yugoslavia. A documentary about memory, politics, and feathers.  

“The Thief”, by Christoffer Rizvanovic Stenbakken (Greenland/Denmark, 20 min)  

Greenland’s first short film from East Greenland. A story of a young autistic man searching for his missing dog.  

“Searching for Amani”, by Nicole Gormley & Debra Aroko. Starring Simon Ali (UK/Kenya, 80 min)  

A young man investigates his father’s murder on the edge of an African nature reserve, embarking on a personal journey that exposes the devastating effects of the climate crisis.  

23rd May | 6.00 PM – 8.00 PM | Session 2

“Wind’s Heritage”, by Nasim Soheili (Iran, 29 min)  

– NATIONAL PREMIERE –  

A portrait of Mohammad Gandami, the last miller of Iran’s traditional windmills.  

“Metalmorfosis”, by Maikel Jorge Pascual (Cuba, 21 min)  

– NATIONAL PREMIERE –  

In a landscape of abandoned spaces and scrap metal, art emerges as a symbol of resistance and sustainability.  

“Blueberry Dreams (Lurji Motsvi)”, by Elene Mikaberidze (Georgia/France/Belgium/Qatar, 75 min)  

– NATIONAL PREMIERE –  

A family attempts to cultivate blueberries near an unstable border, caught between memories of war and dreams of the future.  

24th May | 10.00 PM – 11.30 PM | Session 3

“Akababuru: Expression of Astonishment”, by Irati Dojura Landa Yagarí (Colombia, 13 min)  

– NATIONAL PREMIERE –  

An indigenous girl discovers the liberating power of laughter in a fable about identity and courage.  

“In the Belly of a Tiger”, by Siddartha Jatla (India/China/USA/Indonesia/Taiwan, 91 min)  

– NATIONAL PREMIERE –  

A human and symbolic portrayal of a village on the brink of extinction, critiquing capitalism and inequality.  

TICKETS 

Tickets can be purchased at the Sá da Bandeira Theatre box office or online via the BOL platform.