The Undergraduate Degree in Digital Arts and Multimedia (ADM) is taking part in the 2026 edition of the Big Show, an initiative organised by the Batalha Cinema Centre which brings together the academic community involved in cinema in Porto each year, promoting interaction and the sharing of different practices in production, filmmaking and teaching.
Participation in the Big Show provides an opportunity to showcase the work of ESAD students to Porto’s academic film community, whilst also marking the conclusion of a cycle of training and creative work.
ESAD will be represented by two films directed by students on the Undergraduate Degree in Digital Arts and Multimedia (ADM):
Today is the Day! / Today is the Day!
Michał Wilk | 16'55'' | Experimental video | 2026
Synopsis: In a mysterious attic, filled with relics, inside a ruined villa on the edge of the forest, three old men feast and dance as if seeking to escape death itself, until the appearance of a fortune-teller seems to seal their fate. Set free into the darkness of the night, they set off towards a house ablaze. Entering it of their own free will, with silent devotion, they are forever transformed by the flames.
The film was supervised by Marta Varzim, Hugo Peixoto, Tomé Quadros and Carlos Amaral.
What have you done?
Caroline Neukirch and Jolan von Hollen | 6'01'' | Experimental video | 2026
Synopsis: After receiving a message from a friend, Mike is overcome by a deep sense of apathy. He seeks out his grandmother in the hope of learning from her past.
The film was supervised by Marta Varzim, Hugo Peixoto and Tomé Quadros.
The two films form part of the collection of final projects produced as part of ESAD’s Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Arts and Multimedia, reflecting the diversity of approaches and languages explored by the students in the field of audiovisual and experimental creation.
The Big Show 2026 will take place on 18 September, between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm. The programme will begin in Room 1 of the Batalha Cinema Centre and conclude at the Bar, where a closing cocktail reception will be held.
The Big Show is dedicated to screening final-year films produced as part of film and related courses at higher education institutions in Porto. The initiative currently involves the participation of FBAUP, ESMAD, ESAP, the School of Arts at the Portuguese Catholic University, Lusófona University and ESAD.
Each institution submits films made by its final-year students, which are subsequently assessed by a jury invited by the Batalha Cinema Centre. For this year’s edition, the jury comprises the actress Mariana Monteiro, the actor and director Welket Bungué, and the director Pedro Cabeleira.