A film festival exploring tomorrow’s world…
The Future World Film Festival is not your ordinary festival. It’s a platform for bold, emerging voices—whether you're an experienced filmmaker or just starting out, using a smartphone or professional gear—to share fresh, diverse visions of the future. With a strong focus on youth and the next generation, the festival champions creativity, innovation, and new perspectives.
Submissions are now closed following the March 21st deadline, and we were thrilled to receive an incredible range of films from around the world. Now, we invite you to join us on June 17th, 2025, at the iconic Cinema São Jorge in Lisbon to experience these powerful stories and celebrate the future of cinema
BUy tickets for the 17th now!
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
The Future World Film Festival is more than just a day of screenings—it’s a full celebration of creativity, talent, and the filmmaking journey. On June 17th, the festival will showcase a full day of incredible short films we’ve loved, giving all submitted works their moment on the big screen.
Later in the day, the energy shifts to our lively and inspiring awards ceremony. This is where prizes are awarded, artists are celebrated, and the spirit of the festival truly comes alive. With jury members, the master of ceremony, and the festival team in attendance, the ceremony will also highlight the story behind the festival’s creation and its mission.
Our venue
Set in one of Lisbon’s most renowned cultural venues, Cinema São Jorge provides the perfect backdrop for an event that explores the limitless possibilities of the future. Its elegant design and rich history in film make it an inspiring space to experience bold and original storytelling on the big screen.
We are excited to honour the incredible filmmakers who have brought their visions of the future to life. This year’s festival will celebrate outstanding achievements across multiple categories, with awards recognizing the most thought-provoking, innovative, and inspiring films.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Best International Short
Best Portuguese Short
Best Youth Short
Best International Documentary
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
Additionally…
Two special prizes will be awarded:
Cherish the Earth Award – Recognising films that highlight environmental awareness and sustainability.
The Humanity in Harmony Award – Celebrating films that promote unity, empathy, and human connection.
HONORABLE MENTIONSBest film made by a 12–14-year-old
Best film made by a 15–17-year-old
Best Portuguese animated film
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.