Event Details
Welcome to the Athens International Film Festival 2026
From 30 September to 11 October 2026, Athens once again becomes a stage for independent cinema. The Athens International Film Festival, known in Greek as "Opening Nights" since 1995, celebrates its 32nd edition. Over twelve days, the festival presents international premieres, independent world cinema and Greek short films across the historic cinemas of the city centre.
Highlights
- Opening gala at the Megaron, the Athens Concert Hall
- International competition for the "Golden Athena" award for best film
- Awards for best director, best script and an audience award
- Dedicated competition for Greek short films
- Tributes, retrospectives and encounters with filmmakers
- Greek premieres of films not yet released in the country
Program
The festival traditionally opens at the Megaron Athina with the Greek premiere of an international film; in 2025 this was "Bugonia" by Yorgos Lanthimos, starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. Screenings then spread across several cinemas in central Athens, including Danaos, Astor, Cinobo Opera and the Olympia Municipal Music Theatre. Alongside the international competition for the Golden Athena, the program includes a documentary section, special retrospectives and the Greek short film competition, an important platform for emerging filmmakers. The Athens Film Society publishes the full program with film titles and exact screening times in the closing weeks of September.
Tickets
Ticket sales usually open in late September; tickets are available online and at the participating cinema box offices. A single screening typically costs around 8 to 10 euros. In previous years a multi ticket pass covering ten screenings was also offered at a set price. Exact prices for 2026 will be announced together with the program.
Visitor Tips
- Follow the program and ticket release on en.aiff.gr from late September, as popular screenings sell out fast.
- The venues are all in central Athens and are easy to reach on foot or by metro.
- Book early for the opening gala at the Megaron Athina.
- Most films screen in their original language with Greek and often English subtitles.
- Q&A sessions with directors are common around screenings; checking the daily schedule pays off.
