Porto Femme 2025 Gives Stage to Women's Revolutions in the Heart of Porto

The eighth edition of the Porto Femme – International Film Festival took place from 7 to 13 April 2025 and reaffirmed itself as one of the most significant cultural events in the Portuguese cinematic landscape. With a rich and diverse programme, the festival presented over 140 films from 38 countries, all directed by women or non-binary individuals, reflecting a strong commitment to representation and diversity of voices in contemporary cinema.

This year, the central theme was “Women and Revolutions”, a symbolic and political evocation of the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April. The theme ran throughout the programme, from the international and national competitions to thematic sessions and parallel activities.

Lusófona University – Porto University Centre was one of the event's partner institutions and hosted part of the programme, featuring special screenings and debates that brought together filmmakers, students, and experts in cinema, gender, and politics. These moments were marked by critical reflection on the roles of women in social struggles, in the arts, and in the construction of fairer and more equitable futures.

In addition to screenings, Porto Femme offered masterclasses, exhibitions, performances, and networking spaces, reinforcing its commitment to promoting female talent in cinematic arts. The festival continues to be accredited for the purposes of continuous professional development for teachers and educators, further underlining its pedagogical and cultural value.

The sessions took place at several venues across the city, including the Casa Comum of the U.Porto Rectorate, Batalha Centro de Cinema, Maus Hábitos, Passos Manuel, Mira Galleries, and Lusófona University – Porto University Centre. Porto Femme once again established itself as a space for resistance, creation, and celebration of voices historically marginalised in cinema.

Photography
Catarina Machado

Coverage
Catarina Machado and Sofia Pereira

Report
Mariana Devezas