Semana do Mar Film Festival
Semana do Mar 2026 – Ocean Film Festival
14–21 November 2026 | Cine Teatro Nazaré, Portugal
Hosted by the Municipality of Nazaré, Cine Teatro Nazaré and Hope Zones Foundation.
Join us for a week dedicated to the ocean, bringing together inspiring documentaries, marine science, ocean conservation and the local community.
Through a special programme of film screenings, the Cultivating Hope Summit and community activities, Semana do Mar invites everyone to explore our connection with the ocean, the challenges it faces and the solutions that can help restore it.
From the legendary waves of Nazaré to the underwater world of kelp forests, discover powerful stories of ocean protection, regeneration and the people working to create a healthier future for our seas.
Programme
Saturday, 14 November | Ocean Cinema Day
18:00 & 21:30 | Cine Teatro Nazaré
Ocean with David Attenborough (108 min)
David Attenborough takes us on a breathtaking journey through the world's oceans, revealing their extraordinary beauty, the threats they face and their remarkable potential for recovery. A powerful message of hope and a reminder that protecting our oceans is essential for the future of our planet.
Sunday, 15 November | Surf & Ocean Cinema
15:30 | Cine Teatro Nazaré
The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez (90 min)
An intimate portrait of surfing legend Gerry Lopez, exploring his extraordinary life, his relationship with the ocean and the balance between his calm personality and his fearless approach to surfing. A story about surfing, nature and finding harmony in life.
Monday, 16 November | Cultivating Hope Summit & Community Day
From 08:00 | Cine Teatro Nazaré
Cultivating Hope Summit: Seaweed, Ocean Regeneration and the Blue Economy
The second edition of the Cultivating Hope Summit brings together marine scientists, investors, policymakers and coastal communities around one central question: Why does seaweed matter?
Three panels will explore how regenerative seaweed farming can restore marine ecosystems while creating lasting economic and community value:
Panel 1: Seaweed as a Solution: Balancing Regeneration and Economic Value
Panel 2: From Seaweed to Solutions: How Do We Finance and Scale Regeneration?
Panel 3: Nazaré: Building a Seaweed-Led Blueprint for a Regenerative Coastal Economy
Afternoon | Community Gathering & Film Screenings
Continue the conversations beyond the stage with the Hope Zones community, ocean experiences and afternoon film screenings at Cine Teatro Nazaré.
Wednesday, 18 November | Ocean Cinema for Schools
14:30 | Cine Teatro Nazaré
Ocean with David Attenborough (108 min)
A special screening for the school community, inspiring the next generation to discover the beauty of our oceans, understand the challenges they face and explore how we can protect marine life for the future.
Friday, 20 November | Ocean Short Film Night
18:00 | Cine Teatro Nazaré
Five inspiring short films exploring ocean conservation, coastal communities and the people working to protect marine ecosystems.
For the Love of the Sea – Patagonia Films (30 min): A story of a family's journey to grow seaweed and shellfish while reconnecting communities with the ocean and helping address climate change.
Madre Mar – Patagonia Films (12 min): An exploration of Portugal's underwater seagrass meadows and the scientists working to understand and protect these important coastal habitats.
The Custodians – Patagonia Films (17 min): The story of Scottish coastal communities restoring underwater oyster reefs and creating sustainable livelihoods.
The Ocean Solution – Patagonia Films (17 min): Discover how regenerative ocean farming can produce food, restore marine habitats and contribute to healthier coastal ecosystems.
Fighting the Krill Collapse – Sea Shepherd (19 min): An urgent look at industrial krill fishing in Antarctic waters and its consequences for whales, seals, penguins and the wider marine food web.
Saturday, 21 November | Blue Carbon
18:00 & 21:00 | Cine Teatro Nazaré
Blue Carbon (88 min)
A visually stunning documentary following music producer and marine toxicologist Jayda Guy on a journey through coastal ecosystems around the world.
From mangroves and salt marshes to seagrass meadows, discover the extraordinary power of blue carbon ecosystems to capture carbon, protect biodiversity and support coastal communities.
A story of science, music and hope, exploring how nature-based solutions can help address the climate crisis.
Free Entry & Ocean Conservation Fundraiser
All film screenings are free and open to everyone!
To support the ocean regeneration work of Hope Zones Foundation, we welcome a suggested donation of €20. Donations are entirely voluntary and help us continue our mission to restore marine ecosystems through regenerative seaweed farming.
Donate & Win a Jet Ski Experience with João Macedo!
Everyone who makes a 20 € donation will automatically be entered into a special prize draw for the chance to win an exclusive jet ski tour with João Macedo, professional big-wave surfer and co-founder of Hope Zones Foundation.
Support ocean regeneration and get the chance to experience Nazaré's legendary waves alongside one of its most experienced big-wave surfers!
Support
A special thank you to our sponsors and partners Lindley, Nazaré Water Fun, Indico Capital, and the Municipality of Nazaré for their generous support in making this event possible! 💙