Sessions – MONSTRA | Festival de Animação de Lisboa

Program>

INVITED COUNTRY

Latvian animation is today recognized as one of the most distinctive and innovative animation scenes in Europe, defined by a wide range of techniques, strong artistic freedom and the dominance of auteur cinema. The roots of Latvian animation date back to the 1930s, but a strong professional foundation was established at the Riga Film Studio. In 1966, Arnolds Burovs directed ‘Ki-ke-ri-g?!’, Latvia’s first professional animated film, launching a renowned puppet animation tradition. Following Latvia’s regained independence in the 1990s, the animation landscape diversified with the emergence of independent studios such as Anim?cijas Brig?de, specializing in puppet animation, and Dauka and Rija, which supported auteur filmmaking and international collaboration. Filmmakers like Signe Baumane, Edmunds Jansons and Vladimirs ?eš?ovs strengthened Latvia’s international profile. Today, Latvian animation combines a strong short-film tradition with a growing production of feature-length films.

Latvian Retrospective: Vladimir Leschiov

Vladimir Leschiov’s work is an intimate look into latvian day-to-day life, fluctuating between poetic realism and sensory memory. His films are an exercise on identity and time preservation, through a contemplative and profoundly human look.

17 March | CINEMA SÃO JORGE | 21:45

tickets available

Films in this Session +

Granddad’s Honey

Vladimir Leschiov . 5'

Insomnia

Vladimir Leschiov . 7'

Lost in Snow

Vladimir Leschiov . 8'

Wings and Oars

Vladimir Leschiov . 6'

Waiting for the New Year

Vladimir Leschiov . 8'

Comeback

Vladimir Leschiov . 8'

Rainy Days

Vladimir Leschiov . 8'

Villa Antropoff

Kaspar Jancis, Vladimir Leschiov . 13'

Electrician's Day

Vladimir Leschiov . 9'

Latvian Restrospective: Animated Shorts #1

This retrospective screening of animated shorts gathers historical films of latvian animation from the 1960/70s, that reflect a strong poetic and experimental tradition of baltic animation cinema.

16 March | CINEMA SÃO JORGE | 19:15

tickets available

Films in this Session +

Curious Dauka

Arnolds Burovs . 10'

Cock-a-doodle-doo!

Arnolds Burovs . 10'

Flower Boy Ansis

Arnolds Burovs . 9'

Si-si-dra

Arnolds Burovs . 8'

Tiger Meow - Meow

Arnolds Burovs . 9'

Bruņurupuči

Ansis Berziņš . 10'

Wings and Oars

Vladimir Leschiov . 6'

Latvian Retrospective: Animated Shorts #2

This screening dedicated to contemporary latvian animation gathers remarkable films from different generations and styles. From poetic narratives to dark and experimental approaches, these films explore identity, memory, dark humor and social critique.

18 March | CINEMA SÃO JORGE | 19:15

tickets available

Films in this Session +

The Kiosk

Anete Melece . 7'

All My Friends Are Dead

Nils Skapans . 5'

Swallow a Toad

Jurgis Krasons . 10'

Riga's Lilac

Lizete Upīte . 14'

Ursus

Reinis Pētersons . 10'

Guard of Honour

Edmunds Jansons . 5'

Night Walks

Lizete Upīte . 6'

Aqua

Gints Zilbalodis . 7'

Choir Tour

Edmunds Jansons . 5'

Latvian Retrospective: Animated Shorts #3

The most recent Latvian animation reveals new authorial perspectives, exploring human relationships, technology, mythology, and modern concerns, with bold visual languages that confirm the vitality and international relevance of current Latvian animation.

20 March | CINEMA SÃO JORGE | 19:15

tickets available

Films in this Session +

In the End

Linda Sture . 5'

Debris

Ilze Ance Kazaka . 4'

Freeride in C

Edmunds Jansons . 10'

On Line

Tereze Talita Rozenblate . 6'

In the Pipe

Jurgis Krasons . 8'

Where is the Key?

Indra Sproģe . 7'

Cleanliness

Andrejs Brīvulis . 5'

Kafka. In Love

Zane Oborenko . 10'

Swan Maiden

Kārlis Vītols . 15'

Latvian Retrospective: Away

17 March | CINEMA SÃO JORGE | 19:15

tickets available

Films in this Session +

Away

Gints Zilbalodis . 75'

Latvian Retrospective: Flow

13 March | CINEMA SÃO JORGE | 19:00

tickets available

Films in this Session +

Flow

Gints Zilbalodis . 75'

Latvian Retrospective: Rocks in My Pockets

21 March | CINEMA SÃO JORGE | 15:00

tickets available

Films in this Session +

Rocks in My Pockets

Signe Baumane . 88'

Latvian Retrospective: Family Shorts Cinemateca

Integrated in our Latvia retrospective, this screening is made up of six new Latvian films to watch and repeat. Puppets are used in all these films, and some of these puppets will be on display at the Museu da Marioneta, between the 13th of february and the 19th of april of 2026.

14 March | CINEMATECA PORTUGUESA | 15:00

tickets available

Films in this Session +