Encontros da Imagem

For over three and a half decades, Encontros da Imagem has stood out as an essential medium for the dissemination and creation of photography in Portugal. Since its first edition in 1987, this international photography and visual arts festival has brought together classic, established and emerging artists from the local, national and international scene in a programme that seeks to reflect contemporary life, the world and the society around us.

In 2025, the 35th edition of Encontros da Imagem proposes a critical reflection on the festival’s long history, while reinforcing its role as a space for innovation, encounter and critical thinking around the image. Under the theme Manifestação de Interesse (Expression of Interest), the festival will once again occupy various cultural spaces – including Theatro Circo and gnration – in various locations, with multidisciplinary proposals that, in addition to photography, also include cinema, performance, installation and video art.

Organised into three programmes – Dissidências, Argumentários and Transições – the 2025 edition offers multiple readings on contemporary photography and its cultural impact. Dissidências values the diversity of practices and perspectives, highlighting artists who break with conventions and expand the limits of the medium. Argumentários delves into the internal stories of Encontros da Imagem, valuing memories, experiences and contributions that have shaped the festival’s identity. Transitions focuses on regional connections and reflects on local identities and new ruralities, reinforcing the dialogue between art, territory and community.