The film festival first premiered on October 2010 in Espargos, Sal. While originally conceived in 2008, the idea of a film festival had to be postponed due to the financial crisis.[1] The first event had a total of five films screened which Neves has said was a positive start for the newly organized event. At the time, CVIFF was unable to secure sponsorships from businesses or cultural organizations which would remain a problem for at least the next three years.[2]