A film festival exploring tomorrow’s world…
The Future World Film Festival is a platform for bold and diverse visions of the future, brought to life through film.
It welcomes filmmakers of all levels—from first-timers using smartphones to experienced professionals—encouraging fresh, creative storytelling. With a strong focus on youth and the next generation, the festival highlights new ideas and perspectives that challenge, inspire, and reimagine the world ahead.
The first edition was held on 17th June, marking the beginning of an exciting new space for future-focused cinema. The team is now working on the next chapter—something even more ambitious. Stay tuned—this is just the start.
Photos from the event
Here are the photos from the ceremony and dinner:
Thank you to Carlos Moedas, the Mayor of Lisbon, for this wonderful video and his support. Find out more about the festival below.
The ceremony and screenings
On 17th June, the Future World Film Festival hosted a full day of bold and imaginative short films, giving every submitted work its moment on the big screen.
Later, the energy shifted to a lively and inspiring awards ceremony—where prizes were awarded, artists were celebrated, and the spirit of the festival truly came to life. With jury members, the master of ceremony, and the festival team all present, the event also shared the story behind the festival’s creation and its mission to champion future-focused storytelling.
Our venue
Cinema São Jorge, a historic and elegant cultural venue in Lisbon, offered the ideal setting to showcase bold, original stories that explore the future on the big screen.
We were proud to honour the incredible filmmakers who brought their visions to life.
This year’s edition celebrated outstanding achievements across a range of categories, recognizing the most thought-provoking, innovative, and inspiring films.
Award Categories:
– Best International Short
– Best Portuguese Short
– Best Youth Short
– Best International
– Best Portuguese Documentary
– Best Youth Documentary
– Best International Micro
– Best Portuguese Micro
– Best Youth Micro
– Best International Animation
– Best Youth Animation
Your Guide to the Festival
Special Prizes:
– Cherish the Earth Award – for films that highlight environmental awareness and sustainability
– Humanity in Harmony Award – for films that promote unity, empathy, and human connection
Honourable Mentions:
– Best film made by a 12–14-year-old
– Best film made by a 15–17-year-old
– Best Portuguese animated film
These awards reflect the heart of the festival—celebrating creativity, originality, and the power of film to imagine a better tomorrow.
A Prize Like No Other – Mentorship from Industry Professionals
At the Future World Film Festival, the real prize is personalised mentorship from renowned filmmakers. Acclaimed directors, producers, and actors will guide winners through exclusive sessions—online or in person—offering expert advice to help refine their craft, grow their portfolios, and build industry connections. More than an award, it’s a life-changing opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation of filmmakers.
We are lucky to have the support of:
Through collaborations with Universidade Lusófona, Academia Portuguesa de Cinema, and direct connections to schools including St. Julian’s, Lycée Français, and António Arroio, we connected with young talent and received incredible films. The partnership with the Plano Nacional de Cinema, under the Ministry of Education and Culture, now gives us access to 700 public schools in Portugal for future editions through their integration of the festival into their arts and audiovisual programs.
Who are we working with?
Our partnerships with SKOOLA and POR:TA
Skoola is a Lisbon-based music academy giving young people (9–18) a creative, inclusive space to explore their musical talents and identity. Bringing together musicians of all levels, Skoola fosters community, storytelling, and self-expression, offering scholarships to ensure everyone can join.
Since 2018, Skoola has inspired youth to imagine and create a better future through music.
At the Future World Film Festival, we’ve collaborated with Skoola to create videos highlighting children’s visions of the future through music. They will perform at the ceremony and are a key supporter of the festival.
POR:TA is a non-profit association supporting Portugal-based artists across visual arts, music, performing arts, and heritage crafts. Founded by a collective of local and international creatives, POR:TA connects artists with funding, mentorship, global networks, and spaces for exhibitions and residencies.
By fostering collaboration and accelerating artistic careers, POR:TA plays a key role in strengthening Portugal’s cultural landscape.
For the second edition of the Future World Film Festival, we’re excited to grow our partnership with POR:TA to build a larger creative community and support more artists across disciplines.