Through Oct. 31, the 26th edition of Encontros da Imagem, an international photography festival, takes place in Braga, Portugal. This year’s theme, “Where Is My Mind,” gathers work by Portuguese and international photographers to investigate perception, memory and contemporary visual culture. Organized by the Museum of the Image, the festival spreads exhibitions across venues throughout the city, presenting historical, documentary and conceptual photography by a diverse group of practitioners including Marie Hudelot, Stelios Kallinikou, Joan Fontcuberta and Patrick Willocq.
The festival program combines solo shows, curated group exhibitions and site-specific projects that encourage visitors to engage with photography in public spaces and museum galleries. Alongside established names, emerging artists present projects that reflect on identity, migration, technology and the act of looking itself. Several exhibitions pair archival material with contemporary practices, offering a dialogue between past and present photographic approaches.
Exhibition formats vary from large-scale prints and immersive installations to intimate series and printed matter. The city-wide nature of the festival makes it possible to encounter photographic work in unexpected contexts, from cultural institutions to repurposed urban buildings. Public programming typically includes artist talks, guided tours and educational activities designed to deepen visitors’ understanding of the works on display.
At the same time, Lisbon hosts the 12th annual Doclisboa film festival, running Oct. 16–26. Doclisboa is dedicated to documentary filmmakers who expand the language of non-fiction cinema. The festival highlights films that examine the intersection of artistic expression and political life, spotlighting stories that probe freedom, memory and social change.
Doclisboa’s program often features world and international premieres, retrospectives, and curated sections that showcase both established auteurs and emerging voices. Screenings take place in a range of city cinemas and cultural venues, complemented by panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and industry events that foster collaboration and debate.
Both Encontros da Imagem and Doclisboa contribute to Portugal’s vibrant cultural calendar by promoting dialogue between visual arts and cinema. They draw international audiences and professionals while maintaining strong local engagement through workshops, community initiatives and education programs. For visitors and residents alike, these festivals offer opportunities to experience cutting-edge work, encounter new artistic perspectives and participate in conversations about the role of image and film in contemporary society.