The new film-loving space will be located in Salão das Carochas, a historic building in Almada.

Salão das Carochas operates in the former Ermida do Espírito Santo, a 16th-century building in Almada Velha that has hosted community groups, dances, films, plays, children's sports, and concerts.

Now, this Almada building transforms into CineCarochas and invites everyone to join its program, running from 21 May to 17 December, featuring films, talks with national filmmakers, and workshops.

The project kicks off with a cycle of Portuguese cinema, showcasing emerging filmmakers alongside established directors such as Margarida Cardoso (“Banzo”), Pedro Pinho (“O Riso e a Faca”), and Ivo M. Ferreira (“Projecto Global”).

The cycle and the chosen motto – “God, country, no… Portuguese cinema, always!” – “symbolise a gesture of resistance in the face of difficult times marked by the decline of cinemas and the impact of streaming on people's lives,” explains the municipality.

In a statement, the municipality explains that the choice of film themes is not accidental: “Colonialism, fires, dictatorship, religion and desertification make up an inaugural cycle that will make us debate and think about the country we live in now,” explains the Almada City Council, adding that the decision was made at a time of uncertainty for national and international cinema.

In total, there are ten sessions throughout the year.

In June, during the “Everything is Celebrating” event, CineCarochas will have an extra session on June 25th, with the screening of João Nuno Pinto's new film, “18 Holes to Paradise”, and will also feature national animated films for babies, children and young people every Sunday of that month at 11.00 AM.

On 23 July, at 6.00 PM, Portuguese animation will be celebrated in a unique session featuring films by Bruno Caetano, Regina Pessoa, and João González.