Sessions – MONSTRA | Festival de Animação de Lisboa

Program>

RETROSPECTIVES AND TRIBUTES

A part of the programme dedicated to retrospectives that pay tribute to authors, studios, cinematography of countries, regions or cultural groups, or even entire continents. This year, the multidisciplinary artist Michèle Lemieux uncovers her art and mastery on the very peculiar pinscreen animation; the Brothers Quay, winners of the Feature Film Grand-Prix MONSTRA 2025, guide us through their surrealistic puppet animation; and the Egyptian academic Mohamed Ghazala takes us on a journey through the past 90 years of African animation.

Brothers Quay Retrospective

Brothers Quay, Stephen and Timothy, are key figures in experimental animation and _auteur _film. Known for their surrealist universe, very visually enriched and filled with details, their work is strongly influenced by literature, music and European Surrealism. In their masterclass, which is dedicated to their work, the producers share their creative process, references and work methods, offering the public a rare opportunity to enter their unique and profoundly cinematic imaginary.

13 March | CINEMATECA PORTUGUESA | 21:30

tickets available

Films in this Session +

In Absentia

Stephen Quay, Timothy Quay, Adriana Pinto . 20'

This Unnameable Little Broom

Stephen Quay, Timothy Quay . 11'

Maska

Stephen Quay, Timothy Quay . 24'

Stille Nacht II: Are We Still Married?

Stephen Quay, Timothy Quay . 3'

Street of Crocodiles

Stephen Quay, Timothy Quay . 21'

Michèle Lemieux and the Pinscreen

A documentary and three works by Canadian director Michèle Lemieux, a special guest at MONSTRA 2026, are the starting point for a journey through some of the most remarkable works directed throughout the history of the pinscreen animation technique.

18 March | CINEMA SÃO JORGE | 21:45

tickets available

Films in this Session +

Stormy Night

Michèle Lemieux . 9'

Here and the Great Elsewhere - Michèle Lemieux and the secrets of the pin screen

Michèle Lemieux . 6'

Here and the Great Elsewhere

Michèle Lemieux . 14'

The Painting

Michèle Lemieux . 12'

Night on Bald Mountain

Alexandre Alexeieff, Claire Parker . 8'

Embraced

Justine Vuylsteker . 5'

The Night Boots

Pierre-Luc Granjon . 12'

Imprints

Jacques Drouin . 6'

Animated Africa in 90 Years

Discover the vibrant world of African animation, beginning with Mish-Mish, the first African animated character from the 1930s, and tracing the evolution of animated storytelling across different countries to the present. This program presents tales of love, loss, humor, and human challenges, brought to life through inventive artistic styles. Spanning decades of cinematic creativity, it celebrates the diversity, innovation, and cultural richness that make African animation truly unique. A screening curated by historian Mohamed Ghazala.

16 March | CINEMA SÃO JORGE | 21:45

tickets available

Films in this Session +