The Athens International Film Festival opens tonight, running from 30 September to 11 October 2026 across multiple venues in the Greek capital. Now in its 31st edition, the festival is one of Greece’s oldest and most established cultural events, drawing filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema audiences from across Europe.
This year’s programme includes world and European premieres, a significant Greek films section, international retrospectives, and a documentary strand. The festival’s main competition centres on films from first and second-time directors, with previous editions launching careers that went on to international recognition.
Where Screenings Take Place
The festival uses a spread of Athens venues including Danaos, Riviera, and several open-air cinemas in central Athens neighbourhoods. Screenings take place daily in the evenings, with daytime industry events, Q&As with directors, and panel discussions running alongside the main programme.
Tickets for individual screenings are reasonably priced by European standards, and a festival pass covering multiple screenings offers good value. The central Athens venues are easily reached by metro from most accommodation areas.
For Visitors in Athens Right Now
The film festival coincides with one of the most pleasant times of year to be in Athens. October temperatures are typically in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius, summer crowds have thinned considerably, and the Acropolis and other major sites are far less congested than in July and August.
The timing also means that restaurant tables are easier to secure, queues at popular neighbourhood tavernas in Monastiraki and Psyri are shorter, and accommodation prices are lower than the summer peak. For visitors combining the festival with wider Athens sightseeing, the conditions are as good as they get.
Our Athens tours guide covers the key experiences around the city, from Acropolis visits to food tours in the central markets. If you’re still working out timing for a broader Greece trip, the best time to visit Greece page breaks down the seasons in full.
The full festival programme is available on the Athens International Film Festival website. Some screenings sell out, particularly those featuring high-profile guests, so booking ahead for popular films is advised.