Ponta Do Sol Micro Film Festival

Ponta do Sol is a small town on Madeira's south coast, west of Funchal, with a reputation for being the sunniest place on the island. It sits between steep green mountains and the sea, with a pebble beach, a small harbour and a seafront promenade, and it has long been a favourite of artists and writers. The town was among the earliest places on the island to grow sugar cane, and its past wealth can still be seen in the old manor houses and the church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, which dates back to the early days of the settlement.

Among the events held in the town is a small festival devoted to short films, usually referred to as the Micro Film Festival. It is held each winter, typically in December, with screenings spread over a few days. The festival is modest in size and unhurried in feel, and its appeal lies in its intimacy: films are shown in a local venue to a small audience, often with the directors present, and there is time to talk about the work afterwards. The programme tends to include a mix of international shorts, with a focus on creative, experimental and offbeat work, rather than mainstream releases.

Because the festival is small and run locally, dates, venues and programme change from year to year, and not all details are published far in advance. Dates have fallen in mid-December in recent editions, but it is best to check the local tourism office or the town's cultural programme before planning a trip around it. Entry to the screenings is often free or low-cost, though some events may need tickets or registration.

The town offers plenty to do around the festival. The cultural centre named after the American writer John Dos Passos, whose family came from Madeira and who stayed in Ponta do Sol, hosts exhibitions and events and is worth a visit in its own right. A walk along the seafront and through the old streets takes you past the church, small cafes and the old harbour, and the waterfront restaurants serve fresh fish, espetada and the island's famous bolo do caco bread. Nearby are the villages of Canhas and Madalena do Mar, and the high Paul da Serra plateau, with its wide moors and walking routes, lies above.

December is a pleasant time to be on Madeira, with mild weather, Christmas lights in Funchal and a quiet atmosphere compared with summer. Bring a jacket for the evenings, as the temperature drops, and expect occasional rain. The festival suits film enthusiasts and travellers who like to combine small cultural events with a stay in a quiet coastal town.