Thessaloniki International Film Festival

The Thessaloniki International Film Festival is Greece’s leading film event, held each November in Thessaloniki. It highlights independent cinema from around the world, with competitions, tributes, and events that draw filmmakers and film lovers to the city’s historic theaters and port venues.

• Held every November in Thessaloniki, Greece
• Focuses on independent and emerging filmmakers
• Screenings at the historic Olympion theater and port warehouses
• Includes masterclasses, exhibitions, and live concerts
• Hosts the Agora film market for industry professionals

What it is

The Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF) is a major annual celebration of cinema, focusing on independent films and emerging filmmakers from across the globe. Held in the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, Greece, the festival brings together audiences, directors, and industry professionals for a rich program of screenings, competitions, and cultural events. For many, TIFF is a space to discover new voices in film and to engage with the art and craft of cinema in an open, international setting. The festival is known for its welcoming atmosphere and its commitment to both Greek and world cinema.

Where it comes from

TIFF began in 1960 as the Greek Film Week, created by the Techni Macedonian Art Society, and later became the Thessaloniki Greek Film Festival. For decades, it was a showcase for national cinema, reflecting the changing political and artistic landscape of Greece, especially after the country’s military regime. In 1992, the festival opened its doors to international films and filmmakers, marking a new era of global engagement. Since then, it has established itself as a key meeting point for independent cinema in Southeast Europe and beyond.

How it is celebrated

The festival takes place in Thessaloniki’s historic Olympion theater on Aristotelous Square and in several restored warehouses at the city’s port. Over ten days, audiences experience a packed schedule of film premieres, international and regional competitions, and special tributes to filmmakers and national cinemas. Sidebar events include masterclasses, exhibitions, live concerts, and workshops, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere. The Agora section serves as a marketplace and networking hub for film professionals, while the Thessaloniki Cinema Museum and other venues host additional screenings and discussions. The festival is known for its mix of formal screenings and informal gatherings, making it easy for visitors and locals to mingle with filmmakers and artists.

Joining in

Visitors can join the festival by attending screenings at the Olympion theater or the port’s warehouse cinemas, both central and easily accessible. The city comes alive with film-related events, and tickets are available for individual films or festival passes. Expect a cosmopolitan crowd, a relaxed seaside setting, and the chance to see films and filmmakers you might not encounter elsewhere. English is widely spoken at events, and the festival’s website provides up-to-date schedules and information for newcomers.

In the news

• 67th Thessaloniki International Film Festival to honour renowned director Nikos Grammatikos with Golden AlexanderVoria
• Thessaloniki Cinematheque: Greek Cinema as You’ve Never Seen It Beforefilmfestival.gr

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Thessaloniki International Film Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it, and news headlines link to their publishers. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Thessaloniki International Film Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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