More than displaying films, the LEFFEST wants to offer the audience the chance to confront ideas, to make their voices heard, by participating in the reflections and life experience of the filmmakers, thinkers and writers.

The LEFFEST provides these reflections and experiences both on the screen – through a diverse programming that includes both prestigious and emerging film productions – and live, in the several artistic displays, masterclasses, debates and symposiums programmed for each edition. The Festival ensures the best movie selection for the competition and the projection of fundamental authors in the history of cinema and young emerging filmmakers.

The LEFFEST innovates, but it also keeps what defines it: unveiling new talents, paying tribute the notable personalities, through retrospectives or complete displays, and giving voice to rare filmmakers, those who kept their production immune to the pressures of the film industry; exhibiting creations by artists whose works are strongly associated with cinema; opening new roads and audiences for the Portuguese film industry.

In 2019, the LEFFEST will have, as always since its first edition, the presence of international stars - renowned figures in the current world of cinema, arts, literature, music, thought – who will share their knowledge and experience with the audience, through conferences, masterclasses, workshops, performances, debates, exhibits and shows.

With a programme that was carefully selected by people who live and breathe cinema, the 2019 LEFFEST places Lisbon, Sintra and the country once more in the tour of the major film festivals in the world.