The Athens International Children’s and Youth Film Festival returns for its seventh year with the theme “Get Up!”—a call to face life’s challenges with optimism and courage. From November 18 to 24, venues like the Athens Concert Hall, Kifisia Cinemax Theaters 1 & 2, Danaos, the French Institute of Greece, and the Museum of Cycladic Art will host screenings and activities designed to inspire audiences of all ages. The festival promises an engaging lineup of films that explore overcoming adversity, resilience, and rediscovering inner strength.

The “Get Up” theme encourages young viewers to recognize life’s hardships while rising above them stronger and more hopeful. Festival Director Calliope Charalambous Krief emphasizes its messages of optimism, determination, and hope, noting that “Get Up means recognizing challenges and moving forward, daring to try even when success is uncertain.”

In addition to captivating films, the festival offers various events, like the “Young Reporters” program, where teens aged 14-17 learn journalism skills to cover festival activities. Other highlights include accessible film screenings, animation workshops, and screenings chosen by Greek schoolchildren, connecting the young audience directly with topics they care about.

The opening film, Weekend Rebels from Germany, follows a father-son duo as they navigate Germany’s football scene. Canadian film Coco Farm and heartwarming Christmas movies round out the holiday spirit. The festival’s educational workshops also return, spanning topics from stop-motion animation to documentary production.

For a complete schedule, see the full festival program here.