Thessaloniki Film Festival

The International Film Festival of Thessaloniki is the biggest film festival in Greece and one of the most important in all of Europe. This exciting celebration of the art of filmmaking is held in the city every November and lasts for ten days. It is hosted at the historical Olympion Theater and four theaters found along the Beach Promenade and throughout the city, with over 150 film screenings and approximately 70,000 visitors every year.

Established in 1960, it was originally a national festival, known as the Week of Greek Cinema and later as the Thessaloniki Greek Film Festival. It took its current international character in 1992, under the artistic direction of film critic Michalis Demopoulos and with the financial support of the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, and other local institutions. Since then, the festival has continued to expand its international scope, inviting filmmakers from all over the globe to present their work.

The festival's objective is to present and promote the work of new filmmakers. Some of the most innovative independent films made by up-and-coming directors are screened as part of its extensive program. The festival comprises several sections; the official international competition, the non-competitive section for Greek films, and the Independence Days program, which showcases various films from around the world. Retrospectives and tributes devoted to the work of international artists, as well as a special section dedicated to films from the Balkan region are also part of the event.

At the end of the festival, the jury, which consists of seven internationally acknowledged cinema figures, votes on the winners of the Golden Alexander Award for Best Film, the Special Jury Award Silver Alexander, and the Best Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Artistic Achievement. The State Film Awards are also given to Greek filmmakers by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Some other cultural events take place in parallel to the Film Festival as well, including concerts and art exhibitions, which contribute to the vibrant cultural character of Thessaloniki.