Frequently Asked Questions

FEST Accreditations

 

[Q] What are the dates for the next edition of FEST?

[A] The 21st edition of FEST will start on June 21, 2025 (Saturday) and end on June 29, 2025 (Sunday).

 

[Q] I want to go to FEST, what should I do?

[A] First, it’s important to understand that there are three participation options, based on three types of accreditations. The most basic is the FEST Cinema & Music accreditation, which provides access only to film screenings and showcases taking place during the week. For those who wish to access the industry program, a key highlight of our festival, the choice should be between the FEST Talent accreditation, which includes access to masterclasses and workshops, or the FEST PRO accreditation, which grants full access to FEST and everything happening throughout the week, with a special focus on networking opportunities with renowned figures in the film industry (networking dinners; industry meetings; industry lounge. We’ll soon share updates on accreditations for the 2025 edition, along with prices and where to purchase them.

 

[Q] How can I buy an accreditation?

[A] In the top menu of the website choose Participate. Click on accreditations and you'll have access to a description of the different FEST accreditations.

Choose the accreditation you want (Cinema & Music or the industry accreditations - PRO and Talent) and fill in the form that appears.

To find out more about the whole process, watch the following tutorial video.

If you have any questions or encounter any problems during the process, please send an e-mail to registrations@fest.pt.

 

[Q] Until when can I buy an accreditation?

[A] The sale of accreditations is operational from X January until 20 June. It is divided into 3 phases:

• Early Bird (January 15th to 5th March 2025);
• Regular Fee (March 5th 2025 to June 18th);
• Late Fee (from June 18th);

[Q] How much do accreditations cost?

• CINEMA & MUSIC:
  • Early Bird: 15€.
  • Regular Fee: 25€.
  • Late Fee: 25€.

• TALENT:
  • Early Bird: 60€.
  • Regular Fee: 75€.
  • Late Fee: 90€. 
• PRO:
  • Early Bird: 80€.
  • Regular Fee: 95€.
  • Late Fee: 110€.
    

[Q] I have a discount code. How can I use it?

[A] When filling in your accreditation form, simply enter the discount code in the predefined space.

Watch the video tutorial on discount codes.

 

[Q] What payment methods are available?

[A] You can make your purchase in several ways. On the website or microsite you can pay via a PayPal account. Through FilmFreeWay you can also choose to buy via credit/debit card.

If you have any issues with payment, please contact registrations@fest.pt.

 

[Q] I need an invoice, what do I need to do?

[A] In order for us to issue an invoice you just need to send an email to registrations@fest.pt with the following information:

• Name or company name;
• VAT number;
• Address.

Once the data has been received, the invoice will be sent within 72 working hours.

 

FEST Submissions

 

[Q] Until when can I submit my film?

[A] The submission period for the 21st edition of FEST its closed. The films in competition will be announced starting in April.

[Q] Until when can I submit my project?

[A] The period for submitting projects ended on the 7th of April 2025. Check all the rules and regulations here.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at pitching@fest.pt.

[Q] Until when can I submit my showcase?

[A] The period for submitting showcases ended on the 15th of April. Those selected will perform their works during the evenings of the 20th edition of FEST.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at musicwalkwithme@fest.pt.

[Q] MWWM: Who can apply?

[A] Individual artists or bands, both national and international, professional or amateur, signed or unsigned, from any musical genre can apply.

[Q] MWWM: Are covers allowed?

[A] No, covers are not accepted. The participation of the artist/band depends on the existence of original tracks.

[Q] MWWM: Is there a limit to the number of participants per showcase?

[A] No, there are no restrictions regarding the number of participants. A companion per showcase is also allowed, who, like the selected artists, will have access to a PRO badge for the Festival.

[Q] MWWM: Where and when are the results communicated? Will I be notified if not selected?

[A] All selected applicants will be notified by email or phone no later than April 30th, 2025. Additionally, the list of selected artists will be published on the Festival’s website at www.fest.pt. There is no guarantee that non-selected artists will receive feedback.

[Q] MWWM: What should the showcase duration be?

[A] Each showcase will have an average duration of 30 to 40 minutes.

[Q] MWWM: Are travel, accommodation and catering costs included?

[A] No, the organization does not cover these costs. However, each artist will have free access to the Networking Dinners on the day of their presentation.

 

Participating in FEST

 

[Q] How do I collect my accreditations?

[A] Accreditations must be collected from the afternoon of June 21st at the Guest Office in Centro Multimeios de Espinho, FEST's Main Venue. The times will be announced closer to the start of the event. To collect your accreditation, you'll need your ID document by the deadline.

 

[Q] Can the event be attended online?

[A] Participation in the FEST 2025 festival week is in person only.

 

[Q] How do I book accommodation?

[A] In order to provide the best conditions for its participants, FEST has established partnerships with hotels in Espinho. To take advantage of the discounts resulting from these partnerships, you must make the purchase through FEST during the accreditation purchase process.

To book accommodation in a partner hotel, watch the video explaining the process.

If the accommodation is not booked when the accreditation is purchased, but at a later date, you will have to contact us by e-mail at registrations@fest.pt.

 

[Q] How do I book networking dinners?

[A] The networking dinners are not part of any accreditation and must be purchased individually from PRO and Talent accredited participants.

To understand the process better, watch the video tutorial on buying networking dinners.

If dinner reservations are not made when you buy your accreditation, but later, you will have to contact us by e-mail at registrations@fest.pt.

 

[Q] How can I book tickets for industry activities?

[A] PRO and Talent accredited participants need to register for the industry activities they want to attend. On the FEST app, booking is intuitive and can be done up to half an hour before the event.

The dates of the industry activities will be announced closer to the week of the festival.