Abi Feijó, former ASIFA International president and founder of animation studio Filmógrafo, is appealing for the animation community's help. Casa de Animação, a 1500 square meter facility located in the Portuguese city of Porto, that encompasses a theatre, a space for exhibitions, a library/video library, an archive, a production studio, a training studio, a cafeteria and a small gift shop, is currently facing some adversities due to a breach of agreements by Portuguese officials. Because of the circumstances, Feijó and other supporters of the arts in Portugal have formed APRIL (Regional Political Association of Local Intervention), a non-party political association created to alert and mobilize national and international public opinion. Casa de Animação's doors were officially opened on October 28, 2002 and the institution has already completed a substantial set of activities, including retrospectives dedicated to Aardman Studios and Folimage. The future of Casa de Animação is currently unknown, and the founders fear they will be forced to suspend all activities soon. Porto is a city with a long history in the arts. The first Portuguese film was made in Porto, and it is the hometown of two of the most awarded filmmakers of Portuguese cinema, Manoel de Oliveira and Abi Feijó. APRIL is having a debate in the city of Porto on February 7, 2003 and would appreciate the animation and arts communities support. The organization sends this message: "Your presence would be of great value, but all contributions that you might be able or willing to give would also be precious: suggestions, a personal message, or simply signing our Appeal. Anything will be most welcome." Emails of support can be sent to mail@casa-da-animacao.pt. For more information about Casa de Animação visit www.casa-da-animacao.pt (in Portuguese). Read APRIL's appeal here (PDF download).
Learn more about the history of Portuguese animation cinema:
In "Cinanima Celebrates 25 Years," Abi Feijó relates the festival's beginnings and what it means to the Portuguese animation community.
Giannalberto Bendazzi reviews HISTORY OF PORTUGUESE ANIMATION CINEMA by António Gaio, and finds a thoughtful text.
