Ria Formosa animation wins international climate film award in UK

A short animated film created by the University of Algarve to showcase the Ria Formosa has won an international award in the United Kingdom, earning recognition for its innovative approach to environmental communication.

Guardiões da Ria Formosa (Guardians of the Ria Formosa), which premiered as part of the university’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, was named Best Animation at the Frome International Climate Film Festival.

Organisers describe the festival as the world’s first and only free film festival dedicated entirely to climate and environmental action, highlighting projects that encourage more sustainable lifestyles and raise awareness of environmental challenges.

Now in its fifth edition, the festival received more than 1,000 submissions, including short films, feature films and other audiovisual projects from around the world.

The four-minute animated documentary combines science, art and storytelling to explore themes including marine conservation, biodiversity and sustainability through the lens of the Ria Formosa.

Inspired by Japanese anime and manga, the film follows the journey of the Ria Formosa’s seahorse, one of the Algarve lagoon’s most recognisable species and a symbol of the fragility of marine ecosystems.

According to the university, the project was designed to transform scientific research into an accessible and engaging visual narrative capable of reaching audiences beyond the academic world.

The film also reflects the University of Algarve’s research in areas such as marine biology, ocean conservation and environmental sustainability, while promoting dialogue between cultures through its Japanese-inspired artistic style.

Produced by creative studio Fly Moustache, a startup incubated at the UAlg Tec Campus, and directed by João Carrilho, the project aims to highlight the links between higher education, scientific research, entrepreneurship and the creative industries.

Executive production was led by André Botelheiro and Laura Alves on behalf of the University of Algarve.

The university said the distinction recognises its ability to communicate complex issues such as climate change, marine conservation and sustainability through creative storytelling capable of engaging international audiences.

The project is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14, which focuses on protecting life below water.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.