Presentation

Cine Bárbaras – International Conference on Cinema and Audiovisual is a space for reflection and debate dedicated to gender studies and feminist film theories. The conference aims to address issues such as representativeness, representation, feminism in cinema, intersectionality, and the role of women and other marginalized identities in cinematic creation and exhibition. By highlighting the multiple forms of participation of women and non-binary people, both in front of and behind the camera, the event values their contributions to the construction of new aesthetics and narratives in cinema.

The conference will hold its first edition on October 23 and 24, 2025, at Universidade Lusófona – Porto University Centre, in a joint organization by the XX Element Project – Cultural Association and Porto Femme – International Film Festival.

One of its main focuses will be to encourage research on Portuguese cinema made by women, promoting their visibility and fostering new lines of study. Cine Bárbaras intends to establish itself as an annual and itinerant conference, creating a meeting forum for creators, researchers, students, and professionals, with the aim of stimulating critical reflection, strengthening collaboration networks, and contributing to an effective transformation in the audiovisual landscape in Portugal and beyond.