Fantaspoa, the International Fantastic Film Festival of Porto Alegre, is the first Brazilian film festival dedicated to fantastic cinema, encompassing genres such as horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Since its founding in 2005, Fantaspoa has grown into the largest genre film festival in Latin America, celebrated for its diverse programming and cultural significance.
The festival began modestly with 20 films screened over six days in two venues but has since expanded to a 17-day event featuring over 150 films from around the world. Fantaspoa combines retrospectives of classic genre films with the latest releases, fostering a rich appreciation of fantastic cinema.
In addition to screenings, the festival hosts Q&A sessions, workshops, and lectures, providing a platform for interaction between filmmakers and audiences. Its convivial atmosphere and industry initiatives, such as FantasMercado, have made Fantaspoa a vital hub for genre filmmakers, fans, and industry professionals alike.
Fantaspoa is recognized as the largest genre film festival in Latin America, showcasing a wide array of innovative horror, fantasy, and science fiction films.
The festival has hosted numerous world premieres, including 41 during its 20th edition, cementing its reputation as a platform for introducing new and exciting works to global audiences.
Fantaspoa’s Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented to notable figures like Roger Corman, Christina Lindberg, and Lamberto Bava, celebrating their contributions to fantastic cinema.
The festival’s FantasMercado production market provides a space for Latin American filmmakers to pitch projects, leading to successful collaborations such as the co-production of Skull – The Máscara de Anhnagá with Fangoria Films.
With extensive lineups, such as the 19th edition’s 172 films selected from over 850 entries, Fantaspoa attracts thousands of attendees annually, solidifying its influence in promoting fantastic cinema in the region.
Fantaspoa honors excellence in fantastic cinema through a variety of awards, including:
The festival also fosters cultural exchange and industry development by hosting more than 50 international guests each year, ensuring its continued relevance and impact on the global film community.
Fantaspoa’s dedication to showcasing innovative genre films and fostering collaboration has established it as a cornerstone of fantastic cinema in Latin America and beyond.
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