The 21st Athens International Film Festival features more than 180 new films from around the world and Greece. These are presented in three competition sections – including one of the few worldwide “music films” competition sections, titled “Music and Film”. Get ready for special events, documentaries and of course, best of all, Greek short films.

Parallel events, workshops and lectures, parties, and many surprises especially prepared for this year’s event.

Competition Sections:

The international competition section of the festival grows year and hosts some of the best films from every corner of the world introducing the next great directors. One of the few worldwide “music film” competition sections, Music and Film, is about to present some of the best documentaries satisfying the musical tastes of the most demanding viewers. With more than 200 applications, the Greek short film Competition section is one of the most important parts of the festival since it gives the opportunity to young Greek artists to present their work and claim a prize.

New Parallel Department: Athens Film Lab:

This year, the 21st Athens International Film Festival-Opening Nights, launches Athens Film Lab, a parallel program for the development of cinematographic ideas, editing scripts and production searching with specialized seminars and workshops, giving the opportunity to Greek filmmakers and producers to contact internationally renowned professionals. Within this framework, the action Athens-Europe game for 2 players takes place, during which seven short films will beproduced on Athens and funded with 7,000 euros each.

New Partnerships-Parallel Actions:

The festival will renew its collaboration with the City of Athens Technopolis. INNOVATHENS workshops will take place by the 21 qualified teams. A special event-surprise is also being prepared from a known Greek director. This year’s parallel program of the Athens Film Lab completes itself with two more special partnerships. The Mediterranean Film Institute, will hold a separate program for long films, with workshops and forums, while the Greek Film Academy launches its collaboration with the Festival, including a major surprise.

Special Features, Documentaries and Special Screenings:

From the first timing to date, the Athens International Film Festival-Opening Nights honors directors of world cinema through special tributes. Classic films screenings with restored prints and commemorative projections complement the program of the Festival.

This year, the festival presents one of the most exciting films of all time. As every year, the best world documentaries will be present at the Festival.

Department of Greek Film Debut Awards:

One of the most important parts of the festival is the Greek Films section where the most important Greek directors present their films to the public of the Festival exclusively, shortly before their release. In addition, the Festival honors young actors and directors with Debut Awards, which are given by a special committee, enhancing Greek film making.

CLICK HERE for the program.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions