Portugal’s first festival devoted entirely to underwater cinema drew global submissions, filmmakers and ocean storytellers to Lisbon for its inaugural edition in February 2026.
Around 1,200 people attended the screenings and associated events over the three-day festival.
The first Lisbon Underwater Film Festival (LUFF) has made a notable debut, positioning itself as a new gathering point for underwater filmmakers, explorers and ocean advocates. Held from 13–15 February 2026 at Lisbon’s historic Cinema São Jorge, the festival presented a diverse programme of films celebrating the ocean through storytelling, science and visual art.
Organisers say the event aims to bridge the worlds of filmmaking, marine science and conservation while bringing underwater cinema to a wider public audience.
First edition
The inaugural festival attracted more than 250 film submissions from around the world. From these, 46 films were selected for screening across more than 20 hours of programming.
According to organisers, around 1,200 people attended the screenings and associated events over the three-day festival.
The programme featured a mix of conservation documentaries, artistic short films and adventure-driven storytelling. Themes ranged from marine biodiversity and environmental urgency to exploration and the human relationship with the ocean.
Festival founder Arlindo Serrão described the event as an attempt to create a meeting point for ocean storytelling.
The Lisbon Underwater Film Festival was created to celebrate the ocean through cinema and to bring together filmmakers, scientists, explorers and the wider ocean community.
Filmmakers respond
Several filmmakers used the festival as a platform for premieres or international screenings.
Portuguese filmmaker Gonçalo Gomes, whose film Ocean’s Whisper was selected for the programme, described the selection as a significant moment.
“It is an honour to see my work recognised for its artistic quality, storytelling and contribution to underwater cinema,” Gomes said.
Other filmmakers highlighted the atmosphere of the event. German filmmaker Christian Wehrle thanked the organisers for what he called “a really well organised, great festival”, while filmmaker Lionel Pawlowski, who received an award, said he wished “a long life for this new international underwater festival.”
Underwater photographer and filmmaker Annie Crawley commented on the strong line-up of participants, noting that “the line-up is phenomenal.”
Why Lisbon
Lisbon’s maritime heritage played a role in the choice of venue. Portugal’s long relationship with the sea, combined with Lisbon’s cultural life and accessibility, made it a natural setting for a festival dedicated to ocean storytelling.
The organisers also emphasise Portugal’s growing role within the global diving and ocean community.
Looking ahead
Following its first edition, the festival’s organisers say they hope LUFF will evolve into a leading European reference for underwater cinema.
Future plans include expanding international partnerships, increasing audience reach and strengthening the festival’s educational role—particularly among younger generations.
If the enthusiasm from filmmakers and audiences at the inaugural event is any indication, Lisbon may have found a new cultural niche at the intersection of film, ocean exploration and conservation.
