About FEST

Side Bar

FEST is more than a film festival—it’s a dynamic platform for emerging filmmakers and industry professionals, combining competitive and non-competitive film sections with conferences, workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities to foster a vibrant exchange of ideas across cinema and the arts. The 22nd edition takes place from June 20 to 28, 2026!

FEST offers a great lineup of activities for both audiences and professionals, showcasing cutting-edge films from new filmmakers with more than 200 screenings. It also includes films for young audiences, Q&A sessions with creatives, and concerts featuring over 18 artists. Over eight days, Espinho becomes a global hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration, attracting participants from dozens of countries.

Set in the coastal town of Espinho, Portugal, FEST provides the perfect backdrop for cinema lovers to enjoy Portuguese hospitality, amazing gastronomy, beautiful beaches, and one of Europe’s best surf spots.

Over the years, FEST has welcomed renowned guests such as: Allan Starski, Angela Allen, Asghar Farhadi, Béla Tarr, Brillante Mendoza, Carlos Reygadas, Ed Lachman, Eugenio Caballero, Fernando Trueba, Finola Dwyer, Gael Garcia Bernal, Gaspar Noé, Gemma Jackson, Iain Smith, Isabel Coixet, Irvine Welsh, Joe Walker, Kenneth Lonnergan, Melissa Leo, Nadine Labaki, Noomi Rapace, Philippe Rousselot, Roman Coppola, Tom Stern, just to name a few.