Thessaloniki International Film Festival

Every November, when the weather turns and the city moves indoors, the Film Festival gives Thessaloniki its most characteristic rhythm after the trade fair: queues outside cinemas, conversations in cafés running late, and audiences watching four films a day.

The history

It began in 1960 as the "1st Week of Greek Cinema", from 20 to 26 September, at the historic Olympion cinema on Aristotelous Square. It was a celebration of Greek production at a time when Greek cinema was living its golden decade.

Its early years honoured films now considered classics of Greek cinema: O Drakos, Stella and To xylo vgike apo ton Paradeiso. Over time the institution opened internationally and moved to November, growing into one of the most important festivals in South-Eastern Europe.

The Golden Alexander

The festival's top award is the Golden Alexander, named after Alexander the Great, born in Macedonia. It is the prize directors from around the world compete for, and the institution's most recognisable symbol.

Where it happens

Across two poles that give the festival its character:

• The Olympion, the historic theatre on Aristotelous Square, with its classic auditorium.
• The old port warehouses, industrial buildings converted into screening rooms. The setting (concrete, sea, cranes) is one of the most distinctive festival landscapes in Europe.

What to expect

Beyond the screenings, the festival brings masterclasses, retrospectives, conversations with directors and a city full of film people. The port area takes on a particular energy, with the surrounding bars and cafés working late.

Good to know

• Exact dates and the programme are announced each year by the organisers, see the official site.
• Popular screenings sell out; it's worth looking at tickets early.
• The nearest metro station for the Olympion and the port is Venizelou.
• In March the same organisation runs the Documentary Festival in the same venues.