Behind the Scenes of the FilmEU Annual Challenge Production Week

Lusófona University has been at the forefront of several innovative initiatives within the framework of the European consortium FilmEU, promoting artistic creation, technological experimentation, and intercultural collaboration among students and international partners.

Earlier this year, the FilmEU Annual Challenge Production Week brought together 15 teams of students from partner institutions – NATFA, Lusófona University, LMTA, and LUCA School of Arts – with the aim of transforming creative ideas into original short films. The theme of this edition, “water”, inspired poetic and experimental approaches, encouraging participants to reflect on the human relationship with this vital element. Production took place in the cities of Lisbon, Vilnius, and Brussels, fostering collaborative work in multicultural contexts and preparing students for the challenges of the European film industry. The final films will be presented at the FilmEU Festival, in June, in the city of Sofia.

Also held in Lisbon was the BIP Film Workshop, a week dedicated to cinematic exploration focused on shooting with analogue film. Students from ULusófona, BFM, NATFA, and VSMU took part in an immersive journey that included a welcome at Studio Q and the screening of the first rushes at the Fernando Lopes Cinema. Between filming in the streets of Lisbon, visiting the Cinematheque, and the unique experience of working with celluloid, participants developed technical, narrative, and creative skills in an international and collaborative environment.

As part of the Cutting Edges: Virtual Production project, Lusófona University strengthened its collaboration with FX Roads, a leading industry partner. The university team visited the company’s facilities to deepen their knowledge of virtual production, with a focus on studio-based footage, multi-camera shoots, and virtual environments developed in Unreal Engine. This exchange of expertise and joint idea development reinforces ULusófona’s commitment to technological innovation and educational excellence in the audiovisual sector.

These three initiatives reflect Lusófona University's mission as a European hub for creation, education, and innovation in the field of media arts, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary work, knowledge production, and both artistic and technological experimentation.

Watch the videos and relive the highlights:

• FilmEU Production Week
• BIP Film Workshop