## A Unique Career Opportunity for Young Talents

The beautiful **capital of Portugal**, Lisbon, is set to host the **first edition** of the **World Future Film Festival**, a competition focused on giving a voice to **young talents** in the film industry. This festival is not just an event; it’s a platform that encourages creativity and expression among youth.

### Participation Details

Anyone aged **12 and above** is welcome to participate in this exciting competition until **March 17**. This inclusive opportunity aims to inspire young filmmakers and provide them with a chance to showcase their work to a broader audience.

![World Future Film Festival](https://asset.skoiy.com/tsfiqogiwkcugyug/gqessaiabh0d.jpg?w=1852&q=80)

Whether you are an aspiring director, screenwriter, or simply passionate about film, this festival could be the **stepping stone** you need for your career in the cinematic arts. Don’t miss out on this chance to shine in the world of filmmaking!

A capital portuguesa foi a cidade escolhida para acolher a primeira edição do World Future Film Festival, um concurso que quer dar voz aos jovens talentos. Qualquer pessoa com mais de 12 anos pode participar até 17 de março

Lisbon Hosts Inaugural World Future Film Festival for Young Filmmakers

### Aircraft Accident in Vila Nova de Cerveira

An **aircraft** crashed on Wednesday at the **Cerval Aerodrome** in Vila Nova de Cerveira. The accident was confirmed by the **Vila Nova de Cerveira Volunteer Firefighters**, who received the alert in the early afternoon.

According to information gathered, the **aircraft** was being used for an **exam**, with a student and an examiner on board. Both individuals suffered injuries and **rescue operations** are currently underway.

The **Civil Protection** website reported that **seven vehicles** and **18 personnel** were mobilized to the scene to provide assistance.

Aeronave caiu no aeródromo de Cerval, Vila Nova de Cerveira, com aluno e examinador a bordo. Alerta foi recebido pelos bombeiros ao início da tarde desta quarta-feira.

Aircraft Crash in Vila Nova de Cerveira: Exam Turned Emergency

### A Bold Proposal for Housing in Portugal

The Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS), **Pedro Nuno Santos**, has put forth a compelling proposal to allocate a portion of the **dividends from Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD)** to fund local municipalities in their efforts to construct housing. He emphasized that this initiative addresses what he considers **"the main national problem"**.

During the opening session focused on housing, which marks the beginning of the electoral program update leading to the **2025 Legislative Manifesto**, Santos stated, **"We believe it is a good idea that part of the CGD dividends feed a state account that allows our municipalities to access financing for housing projects."** According to him, **"the state has this capacity, the country has this need"**, and many municipalities in Portugal possess the **dynamism and initiative** needed to build housing for the **middle-income population**.

In 2024, the public bank distributed **50% of its net income** to the state, which amounted to approximately **€1.6 billion**, largely derived from housing revenue. Santos expressed his desire to hear from former government officials and experts in the field to enhance the PS's political response to this pressing issue.

### Addressing Housing Challenges

Santos argued that **"there is no silver bullet for housing"**, and that all possible solutions must be explored. He called for a significant increase in **public construction and rehabilitation of public properties**, asserting that **"the state has the obligation to scale up public construction"**, a key objective of the PS.

Criticizing the current PSD/CDS-PP government, Santos claimed their housing measures have only **worsened the problem**, particularly highlighting the impact of the **IMT exemption**, which has pushed **young people further away from home ownership**. He acknowledged the need to possibly regulate the housing market, stating that housing is increasingly viewed as a **financial asset** rather than a basic living necessity.

### The Need for More Houses

Santos pointed out that **transnational demand** has severe repercussions on prices and has excluded many Portuguese from accessing housing, stating that **"we have no doubt that we need more houses in the market. This requires regulation and mobilization of numerous vacant properties."** He noted that while Portugal used to construct **100,000 units per year**, the current figure has dropped to around **30,000**. Many of these units are located in areas where they are not as needed, complicating efforts to ensure they are used for housing.


Segundo o líder do PS, 'o Estado tem essa capacidade, o país tem essa necessidade' e há autarquias em Portugal 'com uma grande capacidade, dinamismo e iniciativa' para, com recursos, 'poderem construir habitação para a população de rendimentos intermédios'.

Transforming Portugal's Housing Crisis: PS Proposes Funding Solutions from CGD Dividends

### Water Levels Surge in Algarve

The **six reservoirs** supplying the Algarve have reached **84%** of their total water storage capacity, thanks to recent rains that added **30 million cubic meters** of water, as reported by the **Portuguese Environment Agency (APA)**.

According to APA President **Pimenta Machado**, this marks a **historic record** for the Algarve region. However, he emphasized the need for **responsible water management** to ensure sustainability. "We have more water now, and the Algarve is much more stable, but we must continue to use water responsibly to secure the future," he stated.

### Significant Increase in Water Volume

The total volume of water in the six reservoirs has increased to **376 hectometers cubed (hm3)**, a rise of about **217 hm3** since March 2024, when the volume was only **159 hm3**, or **36%** of capacity. Compared to the same period last year, there is an increase of **99 hm3** in the eastern Algarve and **118 hm3** in the western Algarve.

### Reservoir Capacities

- **Odeleite Reservoir**: 98% full (127.34 hm3)
- **Beliche Reservoir**: 91% full (43.81 hm3)
- **Funcho Reservoir**: 82% full (39.12 hm3)
- **Odelouca Reservoir**: 82% full (129.28 hm3)
- **Arade Reservoir**: 59% full (16.80 hm3)
- **Bravura Reservoir**: 56% full (19.35 hm3)

Last week, the **Odeleite Dam**, the most crucial in the eastern Algarve, opened its gates for a **controlled water release** for the first time since **2018**. The **Beliche Dam**, also in the Faro district, underwent a similar release.

### Government Measures

On **March 14**, the government announced a **relaxation of water consumption restrictions** in the Algarve, imposing a **5% reduction** across agriculture, urban areas, and tourism sectors.

As seis barragens que abastecem o Algarve estão com 84% da capacidade total de armazenamento de água, tendo as chuvas dos últimos dias acrescentado mais 30 milhões de metros cúbicos, disse à Lusa fonte oficial.

Algarve Reservoirs Reach 84% Capacity: A Historic Water Storage Recovery

## Lisbon Flies to Osaka: Embracing Japanese Culture

The City Council has invested **€250,000** to bring **Lisbon** closer to **Osaka** and celebrate **Japanese culture** from May to June.

![Mude, reabertura](https://media.timeout.com/images/106161211/750/422/image.jpg)
*© Francisco Romão Pereira | Main entrance of Mude, Rua Augusta*

### Exciting Events in Lisbon
For six months, the world will be focused on **Osaka**, Japan, which will host the **2025 World Expo**. Lisbon is making its mark with a mirror programming to celebrate Japanese culture, kicking off on **May 15** with the opening of the exhibition "**Osaka Exhibition - 55 Years Later, Designing the Future**" at **MUDE**.

"We made a significant investment – **€250,000** to showcase the city and bring **Japanese talent** to Lisbon," stated **Carlos Moedas** at a press conference at MUDE. The event was attended by **Pedro Reis**, the Minister of Economy, the Japanese Ambassador to Portugal, **Ota Makoto**, and **Joana Gomes Cardoso**, the General Commissioner of Portugal at Expo Osaka 2025.

The **"largest design museum in Europe"** will host the first initiative of the program, an exhibition commemorating the **1970 Osaka World Expo**, with a focus on Portuguese participation. Visitors can explore contributions from designers reflecting on heritage and presenting future ideas until **June 15**. Additionally, the **Bordalo Pinheiro Museum** and **Casa Ásia** will collaborate on the installation "**Bordalo à Moda do Japão**" from **May 28 to August 31**, highlighting Japanese influence on the art of **Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro**.

### Cultural Workshops and Poetry
**Casa Fernando Pessoa** will also host events connecting Lisbon and Japanese culture. On **May 31**, the duo **Nic and Inês** will lead a workshop titled "**My Pessoa Book**," allowing participants to create their own anthology from selected poems by **Fernando Pessoa** in Portuguese, English, and Japanese, featuring illustrations by various artists.

On **June 4**, the event **"Japanese Poetry in Translation"** will focus on contemporary Japanese poets, including readings and discussions.

### Japanese Film Festival
From **June 5 to 7**, **Cinema São Jorge** will feature a cycle of **Japanese cinema**, showcasing masterpieces from various decades, including **"Tokyo Story"** by **Yasujiro Ozu**, **"Seven Samurai"** by **Akira Kurosawa**, and films by renowned director **Hayao Miyazaki**.

In Osaka, the Lisbon City Council's programming, in partnership with **Lisboa Cultura** and supported by the **Lisbon Tourism Association**, will feature a concert on **May 5** with **Ana Moura**, **Camané**, and **Ricardo Ribeiro**, along with workshops that introduce cultural elements like tile painting and poetry.

*Various locations. From May 15 to August 31.*

A Câmara gastou 250 mil euros para levar Lisboa até Osaka, mas também para celebrar a cultura japonesa na cidade.

Lisbon Takes Flight to Osaka: A Cultural Celebration Awaits!

## Welcome to the Museum of Illusions in Lisbon

Lisbon has opened its doors to an exciting new **interactive attraction**, the **Museum of Illusions**, located at Rua Ivens, n.º 62. Spanning **600m²** with over **20 interactive installations**, this museum invites visitors into a world where **nothing is as it seems**.

### Experience the Wonders of Optical Illusions

The Museum of Illusions features a variety of **optical illusions**, gravity-defying rooms, and exhibits that play with **human perception**. Each room is designed to **surprise and entertain**, while also explaining the science behind these illusions, making the experience both **educational and fun**. 

Among the highlights are:
- **Infinity Room**: Mirrors create the illusion of infinite space.
- **Ames Room**: Alters the perception of size.
- **Vortex Tunnel**: Challenges visitors' balance.

Additional attractions include the **Invert Tram**, **Cloning Table**, and **Head on a Tray**. According to Mary Anne Silveira Machado, the General Manager, "We are a unique ‘eduvertido’ destination where people can dive into the wonderful world of illusions. This museum offers a collection of exhibits that trick the mind, art pieces, and interactive experiences that challenge reality. You won’t believe your eyes!"

### Group Activities and Events

The Museum also caters to groups, schools, and businesses, offering spaces for private events, including birthday parties and corporate team-building activities.

### Visitor Information

Open daily from **10 AM to 8 PM**, tickets can be purchased on the official [museum website](https://www.museumofillusions.com) and via [online ticketing](https://www.bol.pt/). Come and experience the magic today!

Combina entretenimento e educação e transporta os visitantes para um universo onde nada é exatamente o que parece. Lisboa recebeu uma nova atração interativa, o Museu das Ilusões, localizado ...

Discover Lisbon's Newest Attraction: The Museum of Illusions Awaits!

### A Transformative Rainfall in Algarve
The once arid landscape of **Algarve** has become a vivid reminder of water scarcity in **Portugal**. With dried rivers and parched fields, the region faced historical lows in water capacity. However, the recent intense rains have significantly replenished these resources.

In March, rainfall levels in **Algarve** were more than **double** the 30-year average, while **Alentejo** saw **three times** the usual amount, largely due to storm **Jana**. Within a month, water reserves reached maximum levels, necessitating **preventive discharges** to avert structural risks. Now, Algarve has enough water storage for the next **two years**.

### A Sigh of Relief for Algarve
The reservoirs in Algarve, which were at record lows, filled up remarkably fast. The **Odeleite** reservoir reached **94%** capacity, and **Beliche** followed closely at **89%**. Such levels haven’t been seen since **2018**. All reservoirs across the country are now above **20%** capacity. The focus has shifted from water scarcity to its management.

Teresa Fernandes, spokesperson for **Águas do Algarve**, stated, "This is a happy moment because Algarve's reservoirs are filling up, but we must remain vigilant as we don’t know when the next drought will hit."

### Alqueva Reservoir's Abundant Supply
The **Alqueva** reservoir in Alentejo is also nearing its maximum storage capacity, ensuring water supply for at least **three years**. José Pedro Salema, president of the Alqueva development and infrastructure company, explained that the hydropower turbines can discharge **800 cubic meters per second**, which is sufficient to maintain current levels.

### Nationwide Impact of Heavy Rains
This situation isn’t limited to Algarve. Across **Portugal**, heavy rains have filled reservoirs to levels not seen in years. Out of **80 monitored reservoirs**, **53** exceeded **80%** capacity, with **12** reaching their limits. In **Castelo de Bode**, a major reservoir, safety discharges have commenced as it approaches maximum capacity, a situation that hasn’t occurred in a long time.

These rains not only support human water supply but also benefit **agriculture** and **hydroelectric production**, sectors that have struggled due to prolonged drought.

### Challenges in Vale do Tejo
While the rains have been a boon for Algarve, they have posed challenges in the **Vale do Tejo**. Both Spanish and Portuguese reservoirs were forced to release large amounts of water, causing flooding in several areas and activating the **Special Emergency Plan for Floods**. In **Santarém**, roads and agricultural fields were submerged due to increased river flows from the rain and reservoir discharges.

As chuvas intensas de março encheram as barragens e afastaram a seca. No Algarve e Alentejo, há reservas para os próximos anos, mas a chuva também trouxe um problema inesperado: descargas de emergência

From Drought to Overflow: How Heavy Rains Transformed Portugal's Water Reservoirs

### Political Alliance in Madeira

The **Madeiran branches of the PSD (Social Democratic Party) and CDS-PP (People's Party)** have officially signed a **post-electoral agreement** to secure a **parliamentary majority** in the region. The announcement was made on Tuesday from **Funchal** by regional leaders **Miguel Albuquerque** and **José Manuel Rodrigues**.

**Miguel Albuquerque**, the regional executive president since 2015, confirmed, **"The president of the CDS will integrate the Government."** However, he refrained from disclosing the specific role that José Manuel Rodrigues will assume in the upcoming administration, noting that there are **"a set of institutional procedures to fulfill."**

The government has not yet been presented, as further institutional steps are required. Albuquerque explained, **"First, the parties will be heard this Friday by the representative of the Republic, and following this consultation, the representative will determine the formation of the government."**

The PSD Madeira emerged victorious in the **regional legislative elections** held on Sunday, although without an absolute majority. This new governmental solution will now be presented to the **representative of the Republic in Madeira**, **Ireneu Barreto**.

According to the final results, posted on Tuesday at the **Palácio de São Lourenço** in Funchal, the PSD won the elections without an absolute majority, securing **62,059 votes and electing 23 deputies**, just one short of an absolute majority. Other parties' results included **JPP** with **30,091 votes (11 seats)**, **PS** with **22,351 votes (8 seats)**, **Chega** with **7,821 votes (3 seats)**, **CDS** with **4,289 votes (1 seat)**, and **IL** with **3,097 votes (1 seat)**.

*Source: Lusa

As estruturas madeirenses do PSD e do CDS-PP assinaram esta terça-feira um acordo pós-eleitoral que assegura a maioria parlamentar na região. O líder dos democratas-cristãos do arquipélago fará parte do executivo. 


Lisbon Hosts Inaugural World Future Film Festival for Young Filmmakers

Summary:

A Unique Career Opportunity for Young Talents

Participation Details

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