This year, the Quinzaine des Cinéastes' Factory programme is dedicated to the North of Portugal, allowing three pairs of directors – a regional director associated to an international director – to co-direct a film.

These are the films: 'Thorn' by Andre Guiomar (Portugal) and Mya Kaplan (Israel); 'Maria' by Mario Macedo (Portugal) and Hajiha (Iran); and 'Seagulls Cut Thorugh the Sky' by Mariana Bártolo (Portugal) and Guillermo García López (Spain).

The 3 short films are screened on 17 May, opening day of the 55th edition of the Quinzaine des Cinéastes. And they will have their national premiere at the opening ceremony of the 31st Curtas, on 8 July.

This programme is supported by Instituto do Cinema e Audiovisual, RTP, Filmaporto – Film Commission, Porto and Guimarães Municipalities, Portuguese Short Film Agency, Curtas Vila do Conde and Olho de Vidro (Portugal) and Cine (France) associations.