The International Thessaloniki Film festival has become the Balkans' primary showcase for the work of young, emerging filmmakers and the leading film festival in the region. The event features its traditional International and Greek selections, the New Horizons Section, its Balkan Survey and a number of retrospectives and tributes to leading figures of the world scene in the framework of Thessaloniki, Cultural Capital of Europe 1997.

Currently in its 38th year and celebrating its sixth anniversary of turning international, the FIAPF recognised Festival's aim is to present the most innovative independenly produced films world-wide.