The MiratecArts association’s program for the 13th season is dedicated to the audiovisual sector, highlighting films, television, video, and those who make them. The second edition of the Azorean Audiovisual Encounter takes place from January 3 to 5 at the Madalena Auditorium Library.

After the great success of the first edition in 2023, Terry Costa, the artistic director of MiratecArts, announces that the event is back and packed with educational moments, conversation, sharing, and even showcases of the latest work by Azoreans. “The aim of this meeting is to bring together as many professionals and fans of the audiovisual sector as possible,” explains Terry Costa. “From companies based in the Azores, to Azoreans around the world, Portuguese and foreigners producing in the archipelago, and fans of the art, everyone is welcome.”

Friday evening starts with the theme of cinema, critics, journalists, and the media. “As well as encouraging creation, tips will be shared by those who know and those who do,” says Costa. Representatives from various television channels and audiovisual publications have already confirmed their attendance.”

Dialogue panels and talks addressing relevant themes, sharing stories, trials, tribulations, and the particularities of Azorean audiovisuals are part of Saturday’s long day of programming. A session dedicated to video clips allows attendees to vote with nominations and tokens like professional juries do at the biggest festivals of the genre.

The PAA is a new feature at MiratecArts this first weekend of the new year! AWARDS – Azorean Audiovisual Awards, an awards ceremony celebrating those who make it. The gala event will occur on Saturday afternoon, and the general public is welcome to attend. “There will be surprises for the professionals and the audience,” assures Terry Costa. “I urge everyone interested to book their trips, and locals to book their dates and come along, because it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend.”

Sunday highlights some Azorean filmmakers working at home and beyond the archipelago. The weekend is filled with screenings of short films produced on the islands. The full program, which kicks off another edition of the Montanha Pico Festival, is available at picofestival.com, and all the news will be shared on Facebook: MontanhaPicoFestival.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks the Luso-American Education Foundation for sponsoring FILAMENTOS.