Athens International Film Festival (Nychtes Premieras)
Greece's second major film festival, held annually in September in Athens, presenting world and Greek premieres of new international and Greek cinema in an intimate Athenian setting.
Overview
The Athens International Film Festival (Nychtes Premieras, meaning "Premiere Nights") is Greece's second major film festival after Thessaloniki, held annually in September in Athens. Founded in 1995, the festival presents world and Greek premieres of new international and Greek films over approximately 10 days at the Asty Cinema in central Athens.
Athens' September timing places it immediately before the major fall European festivals (Venice typically finishes as Athens begins), making it a programming bridge between the summer season and the prestige fall circuit. Films that have premiered at summer festivals and are seeking additional European exposure fit naturally into Athens' program.
The festival has a particular focus on films receiving their Greek premiere, connecting international cinema with Greece's large and engaged film-going public. Athens is one of Europe's great cinema cities, and Nychtes Premieras provides its audiences with an annual celebration of the best new international filmmaking.
Key Sections
- International Competition -- films competing for the Golden Athena Award
- Greek Panorama -- new Greek films
- Special Screenings -- premieres and tributes
- Retrospectives -- programs honoring filmmakers and movements
What Filmmakers Should Know
Athens accepts submissions. The festival is particularly valuable for international films seeking Greek distribution exposure. Greece's theatrical market, while modest in size, has passionate film audiences and a strong tradition of supporting art house and independent cinema.
Major Awards
- Golden Athena Award -- Best Film
- Silver Athena Award -- Special Jury Prize
- Audience Award
- Greek Film Award
Festival History
Athens International Film Festival was founded in 1995 and has operated continuously since then, providing Athens with its own film festival identity separate from the older and more internationally prominent Thessaloniki festival.
See Also
For understanding Greek and Southern European cinema, see International Film Markets. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
