Athens International Film Festival 2027

The Athens International Film Festival is one of Greece’s oldest cultural events, now in its 32nd edition in 2027. It runs for twelve days in late September and early October across multiple venues in the Greek capital, drawing filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema audiences from across Europe. The 2027 edition is expected to open around 30 September, following the established end-of-September pattern. Exact dates will be confirmed at aiff.gr.

The Programme

The festival’s main competition focuses on debut and second features from international directors. A Greek films section provides an overview of domestic production from the preceding year, and retrospectives dedicated to specific directors or national cinemas run alongside the new releases. Documentary and short film strands complete the public programme.

Screenings take place at venues across central Athens including Danaos, Riviera, and several open-air and indoor cinemas. Individual screening tickets are modestly priced, and festival passes covering multiple screenings are available for regular attendees. Popular screenings and events with high-profile guests can sell out, so booking ahead is advisable once the programme is published.

Visiting Athens for the Festival

Late September and early October are among the best times to be in Athens. Temperatures are typically in the low-to-mid 20s°C, summer crowds have thinned considerably, and the Acropolis and other major sites are far less congested than in July and August. Restaurant tables are easier to secure, queues at popular tavernas in Monastiraki and Psyri are shorter, and accommodation prices are lower than the summer peak.

For broader Athens sightseeing around festival dates, our Athens city guide covers the main neighbourhoods, sights, and getting around the city. For touring experiences, browse Athens tours and cultural visits on GetYourGuide - the Acropolis and National Archaeological Museum are both within easy reach of the main festival venues.