Indie Lisboa International Independent Film festival in Lisbon

Lisbon has grown from an industrial city port into one of Europe’s premier cultural destinations, after being named European City of Culture in 1994 and hosting the World Expo in 1998. Lisbon is now firmly on the tourist and international business map and growing ever rapidly. Modern Lisbon is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that combines old and new to great effect. Lisboetas have embraced this and offer a friendly and inviting travel destination that is abundant in great value Lisbon apartments and up market hotels, ensuring all visitors a comfortable stay.

For a cultural city break why not try The 6^th Indie Lisboa international Independent Film Festival. Fortunately this festival falls on what is largely considered to be the low season, meaning that hunting around for affordable accommodation will pay off. The majority of attendees to Indie Lisboa choose to stay in rental apartments as it offers more freedom and is cheaper than staying in hotels .

Silver screen this is not; a new International Independent Film festival has been growing quickly over the last 5 years and as the name suggests will not be promoting the next Hollywood blockbusters. Indie Lisboa now commands international respect and is a prestigious contender on the independent cinema awards circuit. Following in the footsteps of the Cannes, San Sebastian and Sundance Independent film festivals, Indie Lisboa serves to promote new independent cinema from all over the world. The founders state, in their official mission-statement, that their aim is “to discover new films and new directors in the universe of independent cinema.” The global roster of established and aspiring filmmakers attracts an equally international audience of aficionados and film professionals, who flock to Portugal’s capital for 10 days of non-mainstream film and media.

Now in its 6^th year, Indie Lisboa showcases submissions of both short and feature-length films across a broad spectrum of sections including, fiction, animation, documentaries or experimental films. New and established directors are encouraged to submit their work to a jury of internationally renowned industry professionals. The deadline for submissions is now closed for the 2009 edition, as the festival begins to prepare. Those who have submitted will have to endure a nail biting wait to see if they have won a much coveted award.

The event will take place from the 23^rd of April to the 3^rd of May across a range of venues that are dispersed around the city centre. This really is a great time to visit Lisbon and enjoy the many attractions that are on offer and soak up the cosmopolitan festival atmosphere. Apartments in Lisbon are abundant and do not command the increased rates of the high season during this period. For expert film lovers and novice’s alike, the Indie Lisboa offers visitors the chance to experience modern Lisbon and see more than just the sights.