Fantasporto 2026, 46th Porto International Film Festival

Fantasporto, officially known as the Porto International Film Festival, is one of the city's most emblematic and long-standing cultural events, celebrating its 46th consecutive edition in 2026. Since its founding in 1981, the festival has established itself as one of the world's leading references in genre cinema, with a particular focus on fantasy, horror, and science fiction, annually attracting thousands of cinephiles and professionals from the national and international film industry.

The 2026 edition takes place from late February until March 8th, with its main venue being the Batalha Centro de Cinema, a recently renovated historic space that provides the ideal conditions for the immersive experience the festival offers. The program is divided into several competitive sections, including the prestigious Fantasy Feature Film Official Section, the Directors' Week (focused on auteur and independent cinema), and the Orient Express, dedicated exclusively to Asian productions.

In addition to the competitions, Fantasporto is renowned for its thematic retrospectives, tributes to iconic film figures, and world premieres. The festival is not limited to film screenings; it serves as a meeting point where the audience has the opportunity to participate in debates, workshops, and Q&A sessions with directors, actors, and producers. This atmosphere of proximity and discovery is what makes Fantasporto a unique event in the Portuguese cultural calendar.

Tickets can be purchased individually for each screening or through free passes (vouchers) that allow access to multiple films. Early booking is recommended, especially for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as for the most anticipated titles in the official selection. The festival is an unmissable opportunity to discover new cinematographic languages and works that rarely reach traditional commercial circuits.