Fantasporto is principally aimed at introducing quality films, both as far as aesthetic and thematic aspects is concerned, as well as finding new means of cinema expression. And during the festival, indeed, many quality films are projected, which are realised by important filmmakers, but also by emerging talents who are not famous yet, but who, thanks to their participation in the festival, begin to be better-known and successful. Just to name few of the directors who took part in past editions: David Lynch, Quentin Tarantino, Ridley Scott and Wachowski brothers.

Films are divided into 8 categories, and three of them include films in competition: Official Selection, with fantasy feature and short films; Directors Week, which includes feature films of various genres; Orient Express Official Section, for Asiatic feature films. Films belonging to the first category will have the possibility to be awarded important prizes: best film, direction, actor, actress, screenplay, special effects, special award of the Jury (which rewards works for the originality of their artistic and technical aspects), best fantasy short film, the M'li?s D'Argent Award. The jury of the Directors Week will grant the following awards: best film, director, screenplay, special award for originality, best actor and actress. Films of the category Orient Express will have the possibility to be awarded one of the following prizes: best film and special award. Out of competition works are included in the remaining 5 categories: Panorama & Premi're, Anima-te (including animation films), Porto in Shorts, Retrospectives (a retrospective will be dedicated to the Portuguese director Jos? Fonseca e Costa, and another one to Galicean cinema), Panorama of Portuguese films. It is self-evident, looking at the title of this category, that an important role in the Festival will be played by Portuguese cinema: although it is an international festival, which gathers films realised by directors coming from all over the world, Fantasporto is also intended to support and promote Portuguese cinema.

Thanks to all these diversified sections, all cinema lovers will certainly appreciate this festival, which attracts every year more than 100,000 visitors wishing to enjoy one of the 300 quality films that are annually projected, and attracted by other events that take place during the festival.

Fantasporto is the most important cinematographic event in Portugal: if you have a passion for cinema, in particular for fantasy and science-fiction films, book now a cheap hotel in Porto and enjoy this festival!

Date: 16th February ? 1st march 2009

Location: Porto, Portugal