FOMO for Filmmakers: Portugal's Exploding Production Scene
Portugal continues to develop as a premier destination for filmmakers worldwide, and for good reason - an extensive list of film festivals is bringing filmmakers from across the globe to the country; more commercial work is being done by global ad agencies and production companies; filmmakers are realizing that there is access to a wide range of natural exteriors that can serve as stand-ins for different counties; and a rich financial incentive program is in place to attract productions.
A Global Stage: The Tribeca Film Festival Comes to Lisbon
In a significant milestone for the Portuguese film industry, the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, co-founded by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal, chose Lisbon as the location for its first-ever European edition. The TFF-Lisboa took place in October 2024 and is returning for a second run in October and November 2025 at the Beato Innovation District. This event brings a curated collection of Portuguese and international films, live talks with renowned talent, and immersive installations firmly placing Lisbon on the global cinematic map and attracting key industry players.
A Hub of Cinematic Celebration and Collaboration: More and More Film Festivals
Beyond the Tribeca Film Festival, Portugal boasts a vibrant and diverse film festival scene throughout the year, showcasing a huge range of viewpoints, cultures and film types. These festivals not only celebrate film but also foster a dynamic environment for networking and collaboration. Some of the many notable film festivals include:
Fantasporto: An internationally recognized fantasy film festival.
Queer Lisboa International Queer Film Festival: The oldest film festival in Lisbon dedicated to LGBT-themed films.
Doclisboa: An international documentary film festival.
IndieLisboa: A major international independent film festival.
MONSTRA Lisbon Animated Film Festival: Dedicated to animated cinema.
MOTELX - Lisbon International Horror Film Festival: For fans of horror cinema.
Curtas Vila do Conde: An OSCAR Qualifying Film Festival for short films.
LEFFEST - Lisboa Film Festival: A highly regarded festival bringing together great names in cinema, literature, and music.
Filmapalooza 2026: As the premiere guerilla-filmmaker festival, the 48-Hour Film Festival has chosen Lisbon as the location for their 3-day 2026 Filmapalooza event which will bring filmmakers from around the globe, and offer networking opportunities, workshops and more.
These festivals provide ample opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work, discover new talent, and immerse themselves in Portugal's thriving film culture.
Capturing the Essence: Recent Commercials Filmed in Portugal
Portugal's diverse landscapes, stunning architecture, and favorable filming conditions male it an increasingly sought-after location for commercial productions. The country offers everything from historic cityscapes and picturesque coastlines to lush natural parks and modern neighborhoods, providing a versatile backdrop for any creative vision.
Recent examples highlight Portugal's appeal:
A Magnum ice cream commercial, "Get Old or Get Classic," was filmed at the opulent Palace Hotel Do Bussaco, reimagining it as the fictional Pleasure Residence. This production successfully navigated pandemic challenges, demonstrating Portugal's adaptability and the dedication of its local production teams like Ready To Shoot (RTS).
A series of Galvin Green golf clothing commercials were filmed at the visually stunning West Cliffs, showcasing Portugal's world-class golf courses as a backdrop for high-quality brand content.
Portugal also hosted the filming of its first Super Bowl commercial starring Cristiano Ronaldo, further cementing its status as a top-tier filming location capable of handling high-profile productions.
Canon filmed a number of ads for their newest creator- and influencer-based camera products, utilizing multiple locations, local talent and crew.
Portugal on the Big, Big Screen
Adding to the festivals and commercial work being done here, Portugal can be seen on the big screen in films and shorts from the past 3 years including (but not limited to) Fast & Furious X, Heart of Stone, Damsel, The Acolyte, House of the Dragon, After Everything and Money Heist
To truly experience the magic of filmmaking in Portugal, take advantage of any one of a number of festivals, scout your next project here, shoot a commercial, and learn about the financial incentives offered by the country. Atmosphera Productions is dedicated to help attract filmmakers to Portugal by spreading the word about the possibilities on the ground through experienced local production services. Partnering with Atmosphera ensures seamless execution and access to the best the country has to offer.