Ireland’s Animation Heritage Takes Center Stage at MONSTRA 2024

The 2024 edition of MONSTRA, marking its 23rd anniversary, is set to celebrate the rich tradition of Irish animation. This year's event, taking place from March 7-17 in Lisbon, will include a focus on the works and contributions of several key figures in Irish animation.

Central to this year's festival is the work of Tomm Moore, renowned for his directorial prowess. Moore, who is also behind the design of the posters for both MONSTRA and MONSTRINHA 2024, will share his insights through a masterclass and will serve on the jury for the feature film competition.

A significant aspect of the festival is the retrospectives dedicated to prominent animators including Aidan Hickey, Don Bluth, and Jimmy T. Murakami. Murakami, an American of Japanese descent, is celebrated for being a pioneer in Ireland’s animation industry. His acclaimed film, “When the Wind Blows,” is among the featured screenings at the festival.

In a tribute to Ireland's animation sector, MONSTRA 2024 will showcase an array of feature films, notably from Cartoon Saloon, renowned for their Oscar-nominated works. The festival will also include special sessions dedicated to other key Irish animation studios such as Brown Bag Films and Boulder Media.

Aligning with historical commemorations, the festival incorporates a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the April 25th Carnation Revolution. This includes the screening of “A Revolução,” a collaborative project involving students from various national and international schools.

The MONSTRA 2024 program promises a comprehensive array of activities including competitions, workshops, and masterclasses. Attendees can expect retrospectives and the presence of distinguished figures from the global realms of thought, creation, and animation filmmaking, celebrating the vibrancy and resilience of the Irish animation industry.