The Guarnicê Film Festival emerged in 1977 – which places it as the fourth oldest film festival in the country – still under the name Jornada Maranhense de Super 8.
The event that takes place during the June period received this name, ‘Guarnicê’, in its 13th edition in 1990. The expression refers to the moment of preparation of the Bumba Meu Boi groups, which indicates the festival’s proximity to popular culture Maranhão.
The festival has competitive screenings of feature-length and short films, available for the participation of directors from all over the country, as well as producers from Ibero-American and Portuguese-speaking countries. Three other categories are exclusive to Maranhão residents: music video, audiovisual report and advertising film.
Guarnicê is promoted annually by the Federal University of Maranhão and also promotes training and parallel exhibitions.