In this edition of IndieJúnior Porto, we celebrated the joy of cinema with visits from numerous schools throughout the week and many families who joined us over the weekend.
The festival’s 10th anniversary was marked with a party, cakes, and the awarding of three prizes to participating films.
The winners were announced at the closing party, which took place on Sunday, the 1st.
APEI Award
The APEI Award, given by the Association of Early Childhood Education Professionals, recognizes works that promote the value of early childhood education and the active participation of children in cultural and educational contexts. The award is worth 250 euros.
The jury, composed of Mariana Magro, Pilar Viana, and Maria Sofia Oliveira, distinguished the film:
Lena´s Farm: Full Nest, by Elena Walf (Croatia/Germany | 2025). A short film about a squirrel’s nest full of stolen objects to face the winter. When the rain comes and the animals flee to the farm, the squirrel decides to help them.
The honorable mention went to Bobel´s Kitchen, by Fiona Rolland (Belgium | 2024): A fun story about a poisonous mushroom that dreams of becoming a cook, despite the disapproval of the other mushrooms in the village.
Impact Award
The Impact Award, offered by the University Rectorate, worth €1,000, distinguishes a film for its social, cultural, or educational impact, promoting reflection, dialogue, and critical thinking among younger audiences.
The jury was composed of Beatriz Balbi, Francisco Campos, Joana Mealha, Geanine Escobar, and Sérgio Brito.
The winner was Hannah and the Crocodile, by Lore Mechelaere (Belgium | 2024), a sensitive film about the power of fighting for what we love.
The jury gave an honorable mention to Eloise’s Summer, by Lise Cuveele (Belgium | 2025), a portrait of a girl who discovers the beauty of her curly hair and records this journey in an illustrated book.
Audience Award
The Audience Award, voted for by IndieJúnior Porto viewers, went to: Autokar, by Sylwia Szkiladz
(Belgium/France | 2025). A short film about Agata, a girl who leaves her home country and writes to her father during the trip. When she loses her pencil, she strikes up unexpected conversations with the other passengers.