Event Details
Welcome to AnimaSyros International Animation Festival 2026
From 21 to 27 September 2026, the neoclassical town of Ermoupolis on the Cycladic island of Syros once again becomes the animation capital of Greece. AnimaSyros International Animation Festival + Agora celebrates its 19th edition as the largest animation festival in Greece and one of the 20 most significant in the world. The main theme of this year's edition is "200 Years of Hermoupolis", honouring the 200th anniversary of the founding of the island's capital in 1826.
Highlights 2026
- 7 competition sections: International Competition, Student Competition, Greek Competition, International Panorama, K.ID.S (children and families), Animapride and more
- Country in Focus: Ireland – a tribute to Irish animation in collaboration with Animation Ireland, the Embassy of Ireland and Culture Ireland
- Masterclass by sound designer Olivier Calvert (Academy Award winner for Arrival; Oscar-winning short The Girl Who Cried Pearls)
- Greek premiere of Decorado by Goya Award winner Alberto Vásquez (Unicorn Wars)
- Sylvain Chomet with his Cannes-premiered film A Magnificent Life
- Agora Pitching Forum with leading international industry professionals
- Over 3,000 submissions received from 120 countries
- Free workshops for all ages, including persons with disabilities
- VR Lounge and numerous parallel events
Program
The Festival offers a rich programme of film screenings, tribute programmes, masterclasses, panels and networking events. Screenings take place at the historic Apollon Theatre, the Hermoupolis Cultural Centre, Miaouli Square, the Capuchin Monastery (Ano Syros), Finikas Square and various other locations across the island. All screenings are presented with Greek and English subtitles unless otherwise indicated and are recommended for audiences aged 15 and above.
The Agora programme targets animation professionals and includes the Agora Pitching Forum, the three-day Pitching Coaching Workshop and speed dating sessions connecting Greek creators with international producers. Tutors are Tünde Vollenbroek (Netherlands), Elliott Palmer (UK) and Viviane Vanfleteren (Belgium). A cash prize of €1,500, sponsored by Greek public broadcaster ERT, is awarded to selected Greek-language projects, with the winner announced on 26 September at the Closing Ceremony.
Tickets & Admission
All film screenings, workshops and public events at AnimaSyros are free of charge and open to the public. Admission is on a first come, first served basis, with tickets distributed at the venue reception before each screening.
For professional Agora activities, an Agora Accreditation is required, priced at €80, available exclusively via the Ticket Services platform. Accreditation includes access to all Agora sessions, networking events, the Agora Party, and the opening and closing ceremonies.
Visitor Tips
- Syros is reachable by ferry from Piraeus (approximately 2 hours) or by short domestic flight.
- Arrive early for popular screenings at the Apollon Theatre as capacity is limited.
- Book accommodation in advance as Ermoupolis fills up quickly during the festival week.
- September weather on Syros is warm and pleasant; light evening layers are recommended.
- Free workshops require registration by 14 September 2026 at [email protected].
- Agora professionals programme: applications by 31 August 2026 to [email protected].
