FEST — NDNFF #20 24 JUN - 1 JUL 2024 FEST is a unique gathering and celebration of emerging filmmakers. This annual event in beachside Espinho is the most vibrant film festival in Portugal, focused on Cinema, Education and Funding. The main idea is to provide up-and-coming filmmakers with the much-needed help for the development of their professional careers in terms of reaching the audience, enhancing their education and developing their next productions. The program is divided into four main sections: FEST — Film Program Creating a space for new promising filmmakers to show and promote their work, as well as developing new audiences for independent cinema. FEST — Training Ground The educational section of the festival, which is currently one of the world’s biggest learning forum in film. It hosts more than 25 masterclasses and workshops presented by top film professionals and it gathers over 500 participants for a week from all over the world. Beside learning from the experts, participants are able to share their experience and widen their contacts with other trainees in a relaxed but energetic environment. FEST — Pitching Forum An opportunity for emerging directors to unwrap their projects and present them to a distinguished group of industry experts: financiers, developers and producers. The program consists of dedicated training sessions and open to public pitching sessions FEST - Directors Hub A new platform to further expand networking opportunities and create a meaningful exchange of knowledge, through a series of debates, roundtable discussions and case studies focused on the director’s role, tasks, relationships, expectations, obstacles and challenges they have to face, both locally and internationally. There is also space for more casual activities, as the festival aims to create an open and relaxed atmosphere for networking and knowledge exchange in informal context.