The 5th edition of Cinalfama LIFF swaps traditional movie theaters for the São Miguel Steps, in the traditional Alfama neighborhood, through July 31.
This open-air film festival brings a variety of independent films —and even a night dedicated to Poland— to these famous steps , with several community projects also taking center stage .
A screen without walls on the São Miguel steps
Can you imagine watching independent films while sitting on the steps of one of the most iconic and photographed neighborhoods in the Portuguese capital? That’s the idea behind Cinalfama LIFF—the Lisbon International Film Festival—which once again “rejects” the conventional format and chooses the streets of Alfama as its main stage.
This year’s program is divided between two venues: daytime screenings take place at the Fado Museum, while evenings are reserved for outdoor screenings on the São Miguel Steps.
The big news for the 2026 edition is the introduction of the “Bring Your Own Pillow” initiative, which challenges you to bring your own pillow to these nighttime film screenings. The goal is to create a new tradition that genuinely transforms the street into a neighborhood movie theater.
International Focus: Polish Cinema in the Spotlight
The 2026 lineup features a competition of films from dozens of countries, encompassing fiction, documentary, experimental film, and animation.
This year’s edition features Poland as the guest country, celebrating it through a special selection of independent films and an entire evening dedicated to the country, which will be attended by the Polish Ambassador.
Useful information:
Location: São Miguel Steps and Fado Museum (Alfama, Lisbon)
Schedule: through July 31 (screenings starting at 9:30 p.m.)
Tickets: free; program available on the website
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