A visionary platform for the filmmakers of tomorrow
Creativity knows no boundaries. It flourishes where imagination dares to push beyond the present and into the unknown. This is precisely the spirit of the Future World Film Festival, an ambitious and thought-provoking celebration of storytelling that invites filmmakers, seasoned professionals, and budding visionaries alike to share their vision of tomorrow’s world.
On June 17th, 2025, at the prestigious Cinema São Jorge in Lisbon, this electrifying festival is more than just a showcase of cinematic brilliance; it is a platform for innovation, a playground for ideas, and a movement towards exploring the infinite possibilities of our future. From utopian dreams to dystopian warnings, the festival welcomes interpretations that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought. This year’s event will also be graced by the presence of Carlos Moedas, the Mayor of Lisbon, who will support the festival and its mission to empower the next generation of storytellers. His attendance underlines the significance of the event in Lisbon’s cultural calendar, reinforcing the city’s commitment to fostering creativity and global dialogue.
A VISION BORN FROM YOUTHFUL PASSION AND EXPERIENCE
At the heart of the Future World Film Festival is Tehani Nguyen, a 16-year-old French student who
has called Lisbon home for the past eight years. The idea for the festival was born in her mind, a
space where cinema, the arts, and geopolitics collide. She saw an opportunity to give her
generation a voice, a chance to tell their stories about the world they are inheriting and shaping.
But Tehani was not alone in turning this vision into reality.
With the guidance and expertise of Sophie Civet Burrus, an influential figure in the art and film
world, the festival began to take shape. Sophie, known for her deep engagement with the arts and
her ability to bring creative visions to life, saw the potential in Tehani’s idea and helped assemble a team of dedicated professionals from various industries to support the project. Together, they laid the foundation for an event that would provide a stage for young filmmakers to express themselves and share their views on the future.
What makes this initiative even more remarkable is that it is a true labour of love. Every
individual involved in the festival- organisers, advisors, industry experts, and judges- has
committed their time, expertise, and resources on an entirely pro bono basis. There are no fees, no
contracts, just a shared belief in the power of film to shape perspectives, inspire innovation, and
ignite positive change. In an industry where talent and expertise often come at a premium, this
festival stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who believe in nurturing the
next generation of storytellers without expectation of compensation.
Tehani, despite her young age, has already built an impressive foundation in the creative world.
She has completed internships at Atelier Joana Vasconcelos, Sotheby’s Paris, and Ubik, Starck
Network, experiences that gave her a profound understanding of the art industry and ecological
concerns. She also worked as an assistant director on a short film by Ian Truitner, a renowned
filmmaker and Program Director, further enriching her cinematic experience. Tehani also authored
Transcending Boundaries: The Artistic Synthesis of l’École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine, published
in Art Republik in September 2024. With Sophie’s mentorship and her remarkable drive, Tehani
transformed an idea into a movement that will resonate far beyond the festival itself.
For Tehani and the Future World Film Festival team, one thing is clear: young people have powerful
messages to share. They worked tirelessly to create a platform that amplifies relevant voices,
showcasing the perspectives of a generation that has grown up with the world at its fingertips and
a mobile phone in its pocket.
A LAUNCHPAD FOR CREATIVITY
The Future World Film Festival offers a prestigious stage for talent of all levels, with categories
spanning Best Short Film, Best Documentary Short Film, Best Micro Short Film, and special
recognitions for youth and Portuguese filmmakers. The festival embraces films under two minutes in
length, ensuring that creativity is not bound by resources or experience but rather fueled by
passion and ingenuity.
What makes this festival so special is its dedication to young voices, encouraging creators as young as 12 to step forward and share their perspectives on the world to come. These young visionaries, unburdened by convention, often provide the most startling and original insights into our collective future.
A JURY OF ESTEEMED INDUSTRY EXPERTS
A festival of this calibre demands a judging panel worthy of its ambition, and this year’s
lineup does not disappoint. A dream team of revered industry figures, spanning legendary
directors, groundbreaking designers, and cinematic trailblazers, will lend their expertise and
vision to selecting the finest films.
Among them, design and architecture icon Philippe Starck brings his forward- thinking ethos to the
festival. Cinema’s brightest talents, including Thierry Donard, Michelle MacLaren, Pierre Dupaquier, Marlon West, Blake Farber, Sara May, Daniela Ruah, Albano Jerónimo, and Joaquim de Almeida, ensure that every entry is judged with insight and experience. Beatriz Frazão, Patrick Mille, Nick Broomfield, and Beatriz Batarda round out this powerhouse jury, promising an evaluation process as prestigious as the event itself.
Additionally, the festival has received tremendous support from Ian Truitner and Randall Truitner,
an Lisbon-based powerhouse duo deeply embedded in the film industry. Ian, as a Program Director,
and Randall, an acclaimed documentary director, have played a pivotal role in bringing the
festival’s vision to life. Their unwavering commitment to fostering new talent and expanding
cinema’s global reach makes them integral to the festival’s mission.
THE ESSENCE OF THE FESTIVAL, EMPOWERING YOUTH AND EMBRACING DIVERSITY
The Future World Film Festival is a passion project that encourages global participation from young
filmmakers of all backgrounds from across the globe. With free submissions for those under 18, the
festival actively promotes inclusivity, welcoming talents from both established cinematic
communities and emerging regions. The festival has already received 345 submissions from
34 countries, with strong representation from young filmmakers in Cambodia, Vietnam, Lebanon, Ivory
Coast, Morocco, and Cameroon, through collaborations with NGOs such as Children Action, Safe World
Peace, and Skoola Art academy.
AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENT WITH GLOBAL IMPACT
The Future World Film Festival will not only be an opportunity for young filmmakers to shine but
also for the international community to come together to celebrate creativity and its potential for
social change. With an expected attendance of 800 guests at the ceremony, the event will bring
together industry professionals, international and Portuguese actors, cinema experts, and national
and international press.
SUPPORTING THE FUTURE
Beyond its impact on the filmmakers themselves, the Future World Film Festival is designed to
highlight the values of sustainability, education, social impact, and creativity, ensuring that the
future it envisions is built on a foundation of positive, constructive values.
Lisbon, a city steeped in history and innovation, is the perfect setting for such a groundbreaking
event. At Lifestyle Portugal, we celebrate initiatives that champion creativity, foster innovation,
and give voice to the next generation of storytellers. This festival is not just about film, it’s
about the future itself. Will you be part of it?
SOPHIE CIVET BURRUS
“I focus on the social dimension of this festival. I brought it to life, shaping it in a truly
unique way. This is how I compose, how I love to design concepts and events. My commitment to
associations comes from a deep desire to enhance creativity and innovation within social and
educational contexts, which have become my core pillars. We have created a festival that functions
like an octopus, with many arms connecting transmission, sharing, and inclusion.”
‘We’re not just showing films; we’re amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.’
A trophy was designed by architect and carpenter Francisco Varela, who works with sustainable wood,
including recycled skateboard materials. It was curated by Julie de Halleux of Lisbon by Design. A trophy was designed by architect and carpenter Francisco Varela, who works with sustainable wood,
including recycled skateboard materials. It was curated by Julie de Halleux of Lisbon by Design.
