CINE CURTAS LAPA is an independent, non-profit festival with free admission. It was created in November 2011, but having its first competitive screening in October 2012.

Tha initial goal of the showcase was to screen films made in or themed around the city of Rio de Janeiro, in order to promote the audiovisual industry, particulary short films from Rio de Janeiro, in the city's most traditional nightlife neighborhood, Lapa. The main ideia has always been to bring a program of short films to the Lapa audience, opening a window for producers, filmmakers, and directors, building an audience and enriching the cultural life of the bohemian neighborhood.

The festival was conceived and created in November 2011 by the producer and director Alexandre Wacker. The 1st edition of Cine Curtas Lapa took place in 2012. Starting from the second year of the festival (2013), the festival opened its doors to productions from Brazil and around the world, making Cine Curtas Lapa a "plural and multicultural" festival, just like our beloved Lapa. The festival became international, receiving films from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa.

The festival awards the MADAME SATÃ trophy to the best Carioca Short Film, as chosen by the Popular Jury. International short films compete for the RIO 40º award for the best foreign short film, also chosen by popular vote.

The festival also awards short films, all chosen by popular vote, in the following categories:
- Brazilian films in the LAPA BOÊMIA session;
- Documentaries in the LAPA DOCs session;
- Animations in the LAPA ANIMADA session;
- "Cinema de Bordas" in the J. ULIVAN "CARAMUJO" showcase (In Memorian).

The Official Jury, composed of professionals from the film and audiovisual industry, is responsible for awarding films in categories such as Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, Costume Design, Actor and Actress, and presents the CINE CURTAS LAPA trophy.

The 8th edition of the festival, which will take place in 2023 after a 4-year hiatus, will be the 1st Cores da Lapa showcase, featuring LGBTQIAPN+ productions.

The festival celebrates its 12th anniversary this year in 2023, with much love, dedication, and guerrilla efforts to maintain this window of exhibition for lovers of the 7th art.