PORTO/POST/DOC: ONE OF THE 25 COOLEST FESTIVALS WORLDWIDE!

Porto/Post/Doc: Film & Media Festival was considered one of the 25 coolest festivals in the world by MovieMaker Magazine. The selection panel gathered five film industry professionals: Garrett Bradley, Sky Hopinka, Eran Polishuk, Ryan Werner and Ela Bittencourt.

About the festival, the magazine highlights "a great atmosphere, thoughtful friendly team, and a romantic setting", in Bittencourt's words.

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Porto/Post/Doc takes place annually over the course of ten days in venues across downtown Porto, and consists of international contemporary and retrospective "cinema of the real". The film selection is guided by a rigorous concern for new forms of cinematic expression that extend and test the boundaries of what is possible in nonfiction cinema, and is also never averse to exploring the non-fictive edges of fiction. Crucially, in its programming Porto/Post/Doc makes no distinction between the two camps, allowing contemporary cinema to inhabit a space that draws from both practices. And yet, it draws its core identity from its complex relation to the "the real”.

With an eclectic selection, the festival is organized around competitions and several parallel programmes.

Awards & Prizes

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Feature films (60+ minutes)
Award: Vicente Pinto Abreu Grand Prize (€3,000)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIUM-LENGTH & SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Medium-length films (31–60 minutes) and short films (up to 30 minutes)
Award: Best Medium-Length or Short Film (€1,000)

CINEMA FALADO
Films produced or co-produced in Portuguese-speaking countries or focused on Lusophone cultures
Award: SPAUTORES Award (€1,500)

CINEMA NOVO
Works by Portuguese film schools or Portuguese students studying abroad
Award: Canal180 Award (€500)

TRANSMISSION
Films exploring music, sound and their intersections with culture and society
Award: Transmission Audience Award (€1,000)

YOUTH AWARD
Films selected across the festival for engagement with young audiences
Jury of students from institutions in Porto and Greater Porto
Award: Youth Jury Prize

Rules & Terms

Porto/Post/Doc: Film & Media Festival
13th Edition (19–28 November 2026)
Rules & Regulations

1. GENERAL TERMS

1.1. About the Festival
The Porto/Post/Doc: Film & Media Festival celebrates “cinema of the real,” presenting innovative and thought-provoking films from around the world. The festival highlights bold works exploring contemporary realities through artistic and creative expression.

The 13th edition takes place from 19 to 28 November 2026, in Porto, Portugal, presenting competitive and non-competitive sections, retrospectives, and industry activities.

2. SELECTION POLICY

2.1. Premiere Policy
Competitive sections prioritise World Premieres, followed by International and European Premieres.
Non-competitive sections require Portuguese premieres.
Films already screened in Portugal, broadcast on national television or available on VOD platforms accessible from Portugal are not eligible unless explicitly authorised.

2.2. Number of Screenings
Selected films may be screened up to three times (public, jury, industry). Additional screenings require prior authorisation.

2.3. Withdrawal Policy
Films confirmed for the festival cannot be withdrawn after 19 October 2026.

3. SECTIONS AND COMPETITIONS

3.1. Competitive Sections

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Feature films (60+ minutes)
Award: Vicente Pinto Abreu Grand Prize (€3,000)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIUM-LENGTH & SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Medium-length films (31–60 minutes) and short films (up to 30 minutes)
Award: Best Medium-Length or Short Film (€1,000)

CINEMA FALADO
Films produced or co-produced in Portuguese-speaking countries or focused on Lusophone cultures
Award: SPAUTORES Award (€1,500)

CINEMA NOVO
Works by Portuguese film schools or Portuguese students studying abroad
Award: Canal180 Award (€500)

TRANSMISSION
Films exploring music, sound and their intersections with culture and society
Award: Transmission Audience Award (€1,000)

YOUTH AWARD
Films selected across the festival for engagement with young audiences
Jury of students from institutions in Porto and Greater Porto
Award: Youth Jury Prize

3.2. Non-Competitive Sections
School Trip: Curated screenings and activities designed for school groups, combining education and entertainment.
Docs4Teens: An initiative featuring five European festivals: Krakow Film Festival (Poland), Festival dei Popoli (Italy), FIPADOC (France), Docudays UA (Ukraine), and Porto/Post/Doc (Portugal). It showcases thought-provoking documentaries for teenage audiences, alongside workshops, filmmaker Q&A sessions, and interactive activities.
Immersive Dome Cinema: Hosted at the Porto Planetarium, this section transforms the dome into an immersive space for 360-degree films, offering audiences a sensory and visual journey.
Retrospectives & Focus Programs: Celebrating iconic filmmakers or exploring significant cinematic movements.
Special Screenings: High-profile films, gala events, and avant-premieres.

4. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

4.1. Eligibility
Films completed after 1 January 2025
English subtitles required if not in English

4.2. Submission Process
Via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/portopostdoc
Deadlines:
Early Deadline: 31 January 2026
Regular Deadline: 30 April 2026
Extended Deadline: 31 July 2026

5. SELECTED FILMS

5.1. Screening Formats
DCP only; English subtitles mandatory.

5.2. Materials Required
High-resolution trailer
Stills and promotional materials
Downloadable video file for internal and press use
Entry form and dialogue list

5.3. Promotional Use
Up to 3 minutes of excerpts may be used for festival promotion.

5.4. Delivery Deadlines
All materials must be delivered by 19 October 2026.

6. AWARDS

6.1. Cash Prizes
Vicente Pinto Abreu Grand Prize: €3,000
Best Medium-Length or Short Film: €1,000
SPA Authors Award: €1,500
Canal 180 Award: €500
Transmission Audience Award: €1,000

6.2. Honourable Mentions
Juries may award honourable mentions.

7. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

7.1. Transfer of Rights
Any transfer after selection must be communicated to the new rights holder.

7.2. Festival Laurels
Official laurels are provided and encouraged for use.

8. HOSPITALITY AND PROMOTION

The festival provides accommodation for directors during their screening days. Travel costs are not covered by default.

9. FINAL PROVISIONS

Submitting a film implies acceptance of these rules.
The festival may update regulations without prior notice.
Contact: opencall@portopostdoc.com