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Event Details
Welcome to the Maia International Film Festival 2026-2027 in Maia
The Maia International Film Festival (MaiaIFF) brings international cinema to Maia, a short distance from Porto. The third edition ran from 29 April to 2 May 2026 at Fórum da Maia; 2027 dates have not been announced yet and are expected to fall again in late April to early May. The programme focuses on feature films outside pure commercial release — fiction, documentary and animation — with national and international premieres, guest filmmakers and talks.
Highlights & Attractions at Maia International Film Festival in Maia
- International competition of carefully selected feature films from many countries, often as Portuguese premieres.
- Special screenings and guest films with directors in attendance and Q&A sessions.
- Children’s and animation screening aimed at younger audiences.
- Movie Talks and encounters with Portuguese and international actors and film professionals.
- Awards ceremony (including Gold, Silver and Bronze Ear of Wheat) on the closing day.
- Venue: Fórum da Maia — a modern cultural centre with a large auditorium, centrally located and reachable by metro.
- Emphasis on discovery and dialogue: works that highlight social themes, personal stories and strong visual storytelling.
Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026-2027
The full 2027 programme is not yet published. In 2026, screenings ran from late morning into the late evening (typically around 11:00 to about 23:45). The edition opened with a reception and opening film, continued with competition slots across several days, special screenings with Q&As, a kids’ session and a closing awards night. Submissions are handled via FilmFreeway; the selection is usually a focused set of features plus guest titles. Check maiaiff.com for the latest schedule once 2027 is announced.
Tickets & Admission for Maia International Film Festival Maia
Ticket prices and access rules for 2027 are not yet confirmed. In 2026 all film screenings were free of charge and required no reservation. In the previous edition, single tickets were about 3 euro and double tickets about 5 euro; some sessions (including the children’s screening) were free. Meta price range used for orientation: 0–5 euro. Information and any ticket sales are published on maiaiff.com and the municipal culture agenda; paid editions have also used forummaia.bol.pt. Always confirm on the official site whether free entry returns for 2027.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Maia
- Getting there: Metro do Porto Line C, Fórum Maia station — steps from the venue. Maia sits northeast of Porto and is an easy trip from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and central Porto by metro, bus or car.
- Address: Fórum da Maia, Rua Eng. Duarte Pacheco 131, 4470-174 Maia. Large and small auditoriums, exhibition spaces and a café in the same complex.
- Where to stay: Hotels and apartments in Maia or in nearby Porto; book early if the festival overlaps holidays. Porto adds evening options and dining for a longer cultural weekend.
- On site: Check the daily schedule and room on maiaiff.com; Q&As and talks can shift. If entry is free again, arrive early — capacity is limited.
- Combine the festival with Porto’s historic centre, Ribeira and museums, or other cultural events in Maia — a strong fit for film-focused short breaks in northern Portugal.
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
