DOC.Coimbra 2026 takes place in 5 venues across the city

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The Coimbra International Documentary Film Festival, DOC.Coimbra, will take place in 2026 across five different venues in the city, offering a diverse cinematic experience closely connected to its audiences. The selection of venues results from partnerships with key cultural institutions in Coimbra, strengthening the festival’s mission, reach and relationship with the city.

TAGV Auditorium: Opening Ceremony and Special Screenings

The Teatro Académico de Gil Vicente (TAGV), one of Coimbra’s most iconic cultural venues, will be one of the festival’s main stages. It will host the Opening Ceremony on March 17 at 6:30 pm, as well as special screenings on March 17 and 18.

IPDJ Auditorium: Competitive Sections and Closing Ceremony

Continuing its important partnership with Fundação INATEL, the Auditorium of the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ) will serve as the main venue of DOC.Coimbra 2026. Between March 18 and 22, it will host most of the festival’s screenings and masterclasses. This partnership allows the festival to provide a space not only for the exhibition of films in the competitive sections, but also for hosting guests, project presentation sessions, and meetings between filmmakers and producers.

Círculo Sereia Auditorium: Anozero’26 Educational Programme

The Auditorium of the Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra – Sereia will become a hub for training and discussion, through a partnership with Anozero’26 – Coimbra Contemporary Art Biennial. This venue will host the DOC.Coimbra Educational Programme, as well as training initiatives from the Biennial itself, encouraging dialogue between documentary cinema and contemporary art and fostering active participation from students and the wider community.

Casa da Esquina: Leonor Areal Retrospective

Casa da Esquina, an important cultural centre in Coimbra, will host a retrospective dedicated to Portuguese filmmaker Leonor Areal, presenting four feature-length films that reflect her extensive and influential career. This section offers a key opportunity to revisit the work of one of the most significant voices in Portuguese documentary cinema.

Seminário Maior and Semente Atelier: DOC.LAB Coimbra

DOC.LAB Coimbra returns for its second edition, consolidating its role as a vital space for the development of documentary projects. The Semente Atelier, a multidisciplinary space coordinated by Inês Moura and Clara Moura, will host the Pitch Development group. Reflecting the growth of the lab, this edition will also include a group dedicated to Documentary Script and Treatment Development, to be held at the New Library of the Coimbra Major Seminary.