30th Athens International Film Festival

Celebrating three decades of celluloid love, the Athens International Film Festival returns for its most ambitious event yet. It’s coming with big premieres, hidden gems, and not one but two epic tributes—one celebrating the legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and one honouring the grand resurgence of British cinema in the '80s.

This year’s edition features many highlights, so here’s just a few. Anora, Sean Baker’s latest flick that was awarded the Palme D’or at the Cannes Film Festival, is surely one to book for. You also don’t want to miss Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door, starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, nor cinematic treats such as I’m Still Here, a powerful Brazilian drama from Walter Salles. Francis Ford Coppola’s highly ambitious Megalopolis is also on the schedule.

For animation enthusiasts, Flow is a must-see, featuring a cast of quirky animals striving to survive a flood. It's already tipped for double Oscar nominations. And then there’s Small Things Like These, the alternative live-action Christmas film you never knew you needed, starring Cillian Murphy fresh off his Oppenheimer success.

Horror fans, you’re in for a treat! Oddity is a chilling collection of horror vignettes guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. For something thought-provoking, book a ticket for No Other Land, a powerful documentary that delves into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, crafted by a crew from both sides.

Exciting collaborations round out the program. Don't miss Cycladic Screenings at the Museum of Cycladic Art featuring The Naked Kiss and Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, two films personally selected by Cindy Sherman herself and cited as a great source of inspiration for her work (on display at the Museum of Cycladic Art as we speak).

The festival will light up some of Athens' cosiest cinemas and screening halls; Danaos, Astor, Cinobo Opera, Asty, Pallas, the French Institute, and even the fancy Megaron Concert Hall. See you there!