The 67th Thessaloniki International Film Festival is presenting 258 films from November 5 to 15 in Greece. Variety reported that ten titles compete for the Golden Alexander in the main international section, alongside a substantial Greek programme and visiting filmmakers.
Screenings and international guests
Andrey Zvyagintsev's Minotaur opens the festival, while May el-Toukhy's Woman Unknown closes it on November 15. The selection includes 26 Greek features and 28 shorts, with three Greek titles in the main competition.
Oliver Laxe will curate a sidebar and deliver a talk. Emin Alper receives a tribute, Fatih Akin presents Ghost Song, and composer Stavros Xarchakos and director Nikos Grammatikos receive honorary Golden Alexanders.
Artistic director Orestis Andreadakis said the festival hopes to broaden awareness during difficult times. He emphasised shared cinema-going, younger audiences and the event's role as a place to discover and discuss films.
Industry conversations reach more attendees
In a separate Variety interview, industry head Thanos Stavropoulos said Agora's conversation series would open to general festivalgoers, expanding access beyond previously closed professional sessions.
The opening weekend's television strand includes masterclasses from Tom Rob Smith and Christopher Papakaliatis. Other sessions examine Greek scripted television and international packaging and co-production.
Agora continues its Crossroads Co-Production Forum and Works in Progress activities for projects from Southeast Europe, the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. Stavropoulos also outlined plans for a regional screenwriting pitching platform.
The combined screening and industry programme aims to connect filmmakers, producers, distributors and audiences throughout the festival.