The second edition of the Tribeca Festival Lisboa took place from 30 October to 1 November, featuring a diverse programme that included a live episode of Filming in Portugal: See the Big Picture. In partnership with WPP Portugal, the Portugal Film Commission’s podcast brought together filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter Matīss Kaža, who joined journalist Martin Dale for a conversation on Friday, 31 October.
The Latvian filmmaker discussed the creative process behind Flow, the animated film he produced and co-wrote, which won the 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Kaža spoke about the challenges of this co-production between Latvia, France and Belgium, including the writing process, project financing and collaboration among co-producers.
In the episode, to be released soon, Matīss Kaža also reflected on the importance of film circulation in international festivals, the state of animated cinema, and upcoming projects, including the next film by Flow director Gints Zilbalodis.
Kaža was in Portugal at the invitation of WPP Portugal, where he participated in the talk “From Latvia to the Oscars” during the company’s “Inspirational Talk – WPP Cult” event on 30 October.
A conversation on national production
“The Producer’s Cut: Behind the Power of Story” was the theme of the panel discussion on the role of producers in film and audiovisual projects, part of the Tribeca Festival Lisboa programme on 1 November.
Moderated by Ana Marques, Executive Director of the Portugal Film Commission, the panel gathered Rui Lima Miranda, Pablo Iraola, Filipa Reis, Nick Page and Sofia Noronha for a discussion on production, the challenges that arise, and the creative instincts that shape what audiences see on screen.
The 2025 edition of the Tribeca Festival Lisboa took place from 30 October to 1 November at Unicorn Factory Lisboa and various other venues across the city. Among the screenings, highlights included the Portuguese premiere of Honeyjoon, directed by Lilian T. Mehrel and supported by the Pic Portugal – Cash Rebate Incentive.
Photos: José Fonseca Fernandes and Toze Canaveira
