The CUCA – Festival de Curtas UEMG Cataguases is a film festival presented by the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG) through its Technology in Cinema and Animation course in Cataguases. Initiated as an extension project, its primary objective is to foster cinematographic culture in the region by providing a platform for the exhibition and discussion of audiovisual works, thereby encouraging the production of short films and valuing creativity and diverse narratives. The festival, which will have its first edition in 2025, accepts short films from various sources, including university students, audiovisual professionals, independent filmmakers, and even students from elementary and high school. Coordinated by professors Vanessa Coutinho and Andrea Toledo, the CUCA festival aims to contribute to the growing circuit of cinematographic festivals in the Zona da Mata region of Brazil.