MONSTRA | Lisbon Animation Festival 2026
The MONSTRA festival returns to Lisbon in March 2026 to celebrate the art of global animation. With a special focus on Austria as the guest country, the event offers a rich program featuring premieres, workshops, and exhibitions for all ages.
The MONSTRA | Lisbon Animation Festival is gearing up for its 26th edition, solidifying its status as one of the most vibrant and anticipated cultural events in the Portuguese capital. From March 12 to 22, 2026, the city will become the main stage for the best of contemporary and classic animation cinema. This year, the festival pays special attention to Austria, the guest country, celebrating its rich history and technical innovation in the field of animation, from the early pioneers to the new talents of the digital vanguard.
The MONSTRA 2026 program is vast and inclusive, designed to attract a diverse audience ranging from demanding cinephiles to families with children. The international feature and short film competitions remain the heart of the event, showcasing works that challenge the boundaries of imagination and technique. The "Monstrinha" section continues to be a fundamental pillar, offering sessions specially programmed for schools and families, promoting visual literacy and a love for cinema from an early age.
Beyond the screenings, the festival stands out for its educational and professional component. Visitors will be able to attend world and national premieres, participate in masterclasses led by renowned international directors and producers, and explore exhibitions that reveal the behind-the-scenes of the creative process. In these showcases, it is possible to see original drawings, storyboards, and puppets used in major productions up close, providing a deep understanding of the meticulous work behind every frame.
The festival is not limited to cinema halls; it extends across several iconic cultural spaces in Lisbon. Cinema São Jorge serves as the epicenter, but the Cinemateca Portuguesa and the Puppet Museum (Museu da Marioneta) also host crucial events. Practical workshops in stop-motion, 2D, and experimental animation offer a unique opportunity to learn traditional and modern techniques from industry masters. Furthermore, the "Spoken Graphics" sessions and professional networking events facilitate connections and debate about the future of animation in a world dominated by artificial intelligence and new virtual realities.
For tourists visiting Lisbon in March, MONSTRA offers a rich and multifaceted cultural experience. It is an unmissable opportunity to discover how animation can be a powerful tool for storytelling and social commentary, addressing global themes creatively. The electric atmosphere of the festival, combined with the charm of Avenida da Liberdade, makes this event a mandatory stop for anyone looking to experience the artistic and cosmopolitan soul of Lisbon.
