🎭 BrUNIMA Members Get an Exclusive Look Behind the Scenes of International Puppet Festivals
Your Passport to International Puppet Festivals
BrUNIMA members were recently treated to a fantastic online event in collaboration with the International Art Festivals Commission of UNIMA. The event brought together renowned festival hosts from around the globe, offering insight and inspiration to puppetry enthusiasts everywhere.
The session included captivating contributions from:
Luís Vieira and Rute Ribeiro of the FIMFA Lx – International Festival of Puppetry and Animated Forms.
Eveline Gfeller of the Figura Theater Festival.
This gathering showcased exciting festival opportunities and practical resources for puppeteers, with plenty of inspiration to go around!
Louise Lapointe: Festival Directory and PASSPORT Programme
One of the standout moments was a fantastic presentation by Louise Lapointe, who introduced two invaluable resources:
The Directory of International Puppet Festivals
This comprehensive directory is a must-visit for anyone involved in puppetry.
👉 Is your festival missing from the list? Simply contact festivals@unima.org to have it added.
The PASSPORT Programme
Louise also discussed the PASSPORT Programme, an initiative designed to help young puppeteers and students attend international festivals.
💡 What’s Included?
Free accommodation and festival tickets.
A chance to gain hands-on experience with festival organisation.
🌟 How to Apply:
Complete the online application form.
Submit a confirmation letter from your school or UNIMA National Centre.
Apply at least 3 months before the festival date—spots fill up quickly!
⏰ Don’t delay—applications close 3 months before each festival!
2025 Festivals: Plan Ahead!
Here are some of the upcoming festivals offering PASSPORT opportunities:
January 2025
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival | United States | January 15–26, 2025 [2 passports x 6 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.
March 2025
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE CASTELIERS | Canada | March 5–9, 2025 [1 passport x 5 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.
June 2025
MATEŘINKA | Czech Republic | June 17–21, 2025 [1 passport x 5 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.
https://www.naivnidivadlo.cz/FESTÍN DE LOS MUÑECOS, Festival Internacional de Títeres de Guadalajara | Mexico | June 2025 [dates to be announced] [1 passport x 5 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.
July 2025
FIAMS – Festival international des arts de la marionnette à Saguenay, Canada: 22–27 July 2025.
October 2025
Festival de Títeres y Objetos Animados MUNDO TÍTERE FEST, Argentina: 1 October 2025. [1 passport x 5 days]
For more festivals and the latest updates, head to the UNIMA International Festivals page.
Festival Highlights from 2024
The event also featured exciting updates from these renowned festivals:
Festival de Casteliers.
📹 Watch the highlights from 2024:
FIMFA Lx – International Festival of Puppetry and Animated Forms
Luís Vieira and Rute Ribeiro shared the magic of FIMFA with a look back at their 2024 festival.
📹 Watch the highlights:
Figura Theater Festival
Eveline Gfeller shared a glimpse into the innovative performances and creative showcases at the Figura Theater Festival 2024.
If you’re not already a BrUNIMA member, now’s the time to join to ensure you don’t miss out on future events like this.