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.

After taking part in all five editions, since the inaugural event in 2021 at the resort Troia, about an hour south of Lisbon, I have had a front-row view of the journey and evolution the conference has undergone. The core principles and format remain the same, emphasising talks and meaningful socialising with both presenters and fellow attendees during the conference days. The pleasant pace and atmosphere, as well as the top-notch catering, remain the same.

DIVING Talks—Portugal is the international diving show that will bring the world’s leading divers to Portugal, showing their best recent achievements.

DIVING Talks is also a pretext to combine your love for diving with a trip with your family. Diving Talks is talking about diving. Talking is an expression of communication, and communicating is sharing, so let’s talk about diving and share the talks! 

Diving Talks

We will take them in chronological order. Diving Talks, held in late October, has quietly become one of my top favourites. This year’s event was the fourth in a row, and since I have reported extensively on the previous editions here in the magazine, which you can easily go back in the archive and fish out this time, I will limit myself to an update and not repeat all the premises and characteristics of this unique event.