With beloved chef Sotiris Kontizas as ambassador, the Agora of the 66th Thessaloniki International Film Festival returns — more dynamic than ever. Sotiris Kontizas will highlight the important process that shapes the cinema of the future, while also communicating the key role of the Agora to artists, journalists, and the general public.
This year, Agora is organizing an exciting masterclass, open to the public, by Saverio Costanzo, director and screenwriter of the series My Brilliant Friend, and will, as always, present pioneering initiatives for professionals in the audiovisual industry.
The Agora (October 31-November 8), held with the valuable support of the Creative Europe-MEDIA program, offers a range of opportunities for networking and co-productions across the global film industry. Agora’s activities, which serve as an international meeting and networking event for film professionals, will take place in hybrid form — both in-person and online — showcasing a wide range of industry-focused events, with a special focus on countries from the broader region of Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Sotiris Kontizas – Ambassador of the Agora
Sotiris Kontizas, chef and owner of Tanpopo and Hafu, and a judge for the last 10 years on MasterChef Greece, will meet in Thessaloniki up-and-coming creators participating in Agora and will encourage them in their early steps. At the same time, he will act as a bridge between professionals, artists, and the public.
“It’s a great honor to be invited by the Thessaloniki International Film Festival to serve as this year’s ambassador of the Agora, and I’ll do my best to support young professionals. I believe the moments that shaped me professionally were the times I said ‘no’ and the times I dared to take risks. The most essential raw material is the team, and in whatever you do, make sure you add character,” says Sotiris Kontizas.
The Agora provides the ideal space for networking and the exchange of know-how, enabling professionals to find their team, express their character, and gain access to funding tools, as well as to establish networking and creative collaborations across the full spectrum of the global film industry.
Crossroads Co-production Forum
Agora, the industry section of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, is set to host the 21st edition of the Crossroads Co-Production Forum from November 2-6, 2025. This year, Agora has selected 14 promising film projects from 16 countries across Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean region. The Forum is designed to foster networking, co-production, and creative collaboration within the global film industry.
The participating projects are: A GIRL NAMED ZEUS, Director: Nikos Dayandas, Production: Konstantinos Κoukoulis - ΠLANKTON, Greece, THE DICTATOR'S DREAMS, Director: Erenik Beqiri, Production: Dritan Huqi - On Film Production, Albania, GIRL OF WIND, Director: Moufida Fedhila, Production: Mehdi Hmili - Dogma Films, Tunisia, GOODBYE FOR NOW, Director: Kasım Ördek, Production: Fahriye Ismayilova - Parda Film Production, Co-production: Jules Grange - Kidam Production, Turkey, France, IN GOOD FAITH, Director: Anna Wowra, Production: Tomáš Pertold, Julie Soffer - Perfilm, Co-production: Dagmara Piasecka - Green Rat, Czech Republic, Poland in collaboration with MIDPOINT Institute, LA FORMA ANIMAL, Director: Isa Luengo, Sofia Esteve, Production: Laura Rubirola – Nocturna Pictures, Carlotta Schiavon, Eva Murgui – Vayolet Films, Spain, THE LEAVES HANG TREMBLING, Director: Stefan Djordjević, Production: Dragana Jovović - Non-Aligned Films, Serbia, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ION G., Director: Andreea Cristina Bortun, Production: Gabi Suciu - Atelier de Film, Romania in collaboration with Sofia Meetings, PIRATELAND, Director: Stavros Petropoulos, Production: Leonidas Konstantarakos - Alaska Films, Co-production: Stephane Marschal - Yukunkun Productions, Greece, France, QUIET LAKE, Director: Tonislav Hristov, Production: Kaarle Aho & Kai Nordberg - Making Movies Co-production: Andrea Stanoeva, Tonislav Hristov - Soul Food, Erika Malmgren, Annika Hellström - Cinenic Film, Finland, Bulgaria, Sweden, ROBBING BEIRUT, Director: Katia Jarjoura, Production: Michel Zana - Blue Train Films, Co-production: Elisa Pirir - Staer Film, Jana Wehbe - The Attic, France, Norway, Lebanon, THE TIDE HEARS THEM BUT THEY NO LONGER HAVE A VOICE, Director: Yiannis Veslemes, Production: Nicholas Alavanos - FILMIKI, Greece, THE UNMOVING HANDS, Director: Víctor Diago, Production: Andrés Mellinas - Boogaloo, Spain in collaboration with the Mediterranean Film Institute, WHO KILLED THE PIGEONS, Director: Stratis Chatzielenoudas, Production: Spyros Skandalos - Assumed Position Films, Greece.
The Crossroads Co-production Forum Awards, handed out by the jury, include:
Also, in the framework of the Agora, these Independent Awards are bestowed:
(Crossroads Co-production Forum or AGORA Works in Progress)
This year’s Crossroads Co-production Forum Jury consists of Frank Hoeve, Producer at BALDR Film (The Netherlands), Uljana Kim, Producer at Studio Uljana Kim (Lithuania) and Andreas Zoupanos Kritikos, Producer & Chief Operating Officer at Faliro House (Greece), as well as the Arte Kino International Award Juror, Mathilde Hersant, Head οf Finance at ARTE France Cinéma (France).
FOCUS sessions
FOCUS sessions, a new initiative by Agora, is launched at the 66th Thessaloniki International Film Festival. As part of its ongoing support for Greek cinema, Agora supports four shortlisted Greek projects from this year's Crossroads Co-production Forum, inviting them to participate in the FOCUS sessions, giving them an opportunity for further networking and development of their projects. The selected teams will have consultation meetings with experienced industry film professionals from Greece and abroad, who will offer practical advice on how to best position their film within international co-production markets, while scouting for future partners and further developing their project.
The participating projects in FOCUS sessions are: BOYOS, Director: Dimitris Tsalapatis, Production: Antigoni Rota - Squared Square, Greece, DISQUALIFIÉ, Director: Dimitris Zouras, Production: Isavella Alopoudi & Katerina Tzourou - Neda Film, Greece, PATRIOT, Director - Production: Penny Panayotopoulou - P.P Productions, Greece, SHADOW ON THE MOUNTAIN, Director: Nicholas Dimitropoulos, Production: Tasos Koronakis - Laika Productions, Greece.
Agora Works in Progress
Agora Works in Progress focuses on 8 films in the post-production stage that have a connection to the Mediterranean region and Southeastern Europe. The selected films are presented to key players in the industry, including sales agents, distributors, producers, streaming platforms, and festival programmers. The aim is to help these films secure finishing funds, attract sales agents, secure festival premieres, and establish crucial partnerships.
The participating films: BLACK MONEY FOR WHITE NIGHTS, Directors: Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov, Production: Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov - Abraxas Film, Co-production: Irini Vougioukalou, Konstantina Stavrianou - Graal Films, Bulgaria, Greece, THE BOY WITH THE LIGHT-BLUE EYES, Director: Thanasis Neofotistos, Production: Ioanna Bolomyti - Argonauts Productions S.A, Co-production: Atalante Productions S.A., YE Films Ltd., Sektor Film, Studio Corvus, Sense Production, Luna Film, Willa, Astrakan Films & Cold Iron Pictures, Greece, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and US, LAST CALL, Director: Sherif Francis, Production: Dionyssis Samiotis - Tanweer Productions, Co-production: Kostas Lambropoulos, Greece, THE LION AT MY BACK, Director: Tonia Mishiali, Production: Tonia Mishiali - Bark like a cat films, Co-production: Katarzyna Ozga, Nicolas Steil - Iris Productions, Marinos Charalambous, Vladimiros Subotić - Avaton Films, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Greece, PROMISED SPACES, Director: Ivan Marković, Production: Jasmina Sijercić-Bocalupo Films, Co-production: Zsofi Lili Kovacs - Fiskultura Films, Jelena Radenković - Big Time Production, Daniel Mattes- Anti-Archive, France, Germany, Serbia, Cambodia, TONIGHT IS FOREVER, Director: Fernando Souza, Production: Quentin Laurent - Les Films de l'Oeil Sauvage, Co-production: Lucas Senecaut- L'Oeil Vif Films, Mina Moteki-Kowatanda Films, Fernando Souza - Dichosos los Ojos, France, Japan, Spain, TRIP TO JERUSALEM, Director: Michel Zarazir, Gaby Zarazir, Production: Gaby Zarazir, Michel Zarazir - madame le tapis, Lebanon, WAYS TO GET RID OF SOME FREEDOM, Director: Chrisanthos Margonis, Production: Eleni Kossyfidou-Blackbird Productions, Co-production: Marinos Charalambous - Boycott Films, Greece, Cyprus.
The awards of the Works in Progress bestowed by the jury are:
There is also the independent award Onassis Film Award, €10,000 to a Greek project participating in the AGORA (Crossroads Co-production Forum or AGORA Works in Progress).
The jury of the Agora Works in Progress is composed of Dorian Magagnin – Acquisitions & Festivals Manager at Cercamon (UA), Danae Spathara – producer at Heretic (Greece), Barbara Wurm – Head at Berlinale Forum (Germany).
Agora Series
The Agora Series returns, presenting a two-day program featuring masterclasses, professional discussions, a case study presentation, and networking events that will bring together creators, producers, as well as institutions and professionals from the audiovisual sector.
This year, Agora Series introduces Agora Series Talents, a new development and networking initiative designed to support both emerging and established screenwriters based in Greece. The program provides a structured platform for screenwriters, to refine their craft through hands-on workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one mentorship from leading professionals in the audiovisual field. Fleur Winters, producer, creator, and founder of Big Blue will be tutoring the participants. Over the course of the program, this pilot edition’s selected participants Margarita Gerogianni, Stella Kavallieratou, Anna Maria Lagortsi, Christina Mitropoulou, Manos Papaioannou and Katerina Papanastasatou will receive expert feedback on their projects, guidance on development and presentation of themselves and their work, as well as the opportunity to network with key international industry figures.
The Agora Series masterclass will feature acclaimed Italian filmmaker Saverio Costanzo, writer and director of My Brilliant Friend (HBO, Rai), who will discuss his experience adapting Elena Ferrante’s acclaimed novels for the screen and share insights into his creative process. The masterclass will take place on November 2, 11.00-12.30, at Pavlos Zannas Theatre
Agora Series Talks will include a case study on the European co-production series The Great Chimera, an ERT, Foss Productions, Beta Film, Mompracem and Boo Productions co-production, based on the classic Greek novel by M. Karagatsis. Another highlight industry discussion of the program will explore how storytelling and intellectual property can shape cultural discourse and drive social impact.
This year’s Agora Series industry section will be complemented by the Agora Series breakfast meetings as well as series screenings within the main Thessaloniki International Film Festival program, highlighting new international and regional works.
Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy
This year, the Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy welcomes ten young film industry professionals, including sales agents, distributors, and new media experts. In collaboration with the Locarno Film Festival and Locarno Pro, the Academy is a prestigious five-day training program that has been running in Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean for the tenth consecutive year.
The selected participants will take part in discussions, case studies, and working meetings led by top professionals in the film markets.
Participants of the Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy will also automatically join the Launchpad initiative, gaining free accreditation for the following European film festivals: Locarno, Tallinn Black Nights, Rotterdam, and Karlovy Vary.
Participants: Evi Gavriilidou (Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center), Charalampos Sourapas (Filmtrade), Klara Berdais (Restart), Beyza Yaren Büyük (Başka Sinema), Mariana Enriquez Denton Bustinza (SplicD Cinema / Barbican Young Film Programmers), Gaia Fossani (Locarno Pro), Alexandra Gabrizova (Disco Sailing), Leo Hervada Seux (Loco Films), Massimo Iannetti (Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival), Carmina Orozco Lopez (DOK Leipzig Industry).
Agora Short Film Lab
The Agora Short Film Lab, organized by the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in collaboration with the Drama International Short Film Festival and the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, announces the emerging directors who will participate in its 2025 program.
This is a three-day workshop featuring discussions with experienced professionals from the film industry, focusing on guiding short film directors as they transition into feature filmmaking.
This year’s participants include talented directors whose award-winning short films have been recognized at Clermont-Ferrand, Drama, and the Helsinki Film Festival, through this year's partnership with Finland under the Bridge to the North initiative.
Participants: Giorgos Angelopoulos, Kostis Theodosopoulos, Vasilis Pantelidis, Yiannis Symvonis, Esteban Azuela, Jenny Jokela, and the artistic duo Zhang & Knight.
Bridge to the North
Welcome, Finland! The latest Agora initiative brings together the South with the North of Europe, welcoming a different country each year from the Baltic and Nordic regions. This initiative aims to strengthen co-productions, synergies, and cultural exchanges that enrich the global cinematic landscape. The program has already successfully hosted Lithuania and Sweden. This year, a delegation of professionals from Finland will actively participate in the Agora, exploring funding opportunities and laying the groundwork for new creative collaborations with professionals from Greece and abroad.
As part of this collaboration, a Finnish project has been selected for the Crossroads Co-production Forum, and the winner of the Agora Award in the recent national short film competition of the Helsinki Film Festival will participate in the Agora Short Film Lab.
This synergy is made possible thanks to the cooperation of the Festival with the Finnish Film Foundation, the Helsinki International Film Festival, the Finnish Film Affair, and with the support of the Embassy of Finland in Athens and the Finnish Institute at Athens.
Agora Talks
The Festival places special emphasis on dialogue and the exchange of ideas, presenting a rich series of discussions aimed at professionals in the audiovisual sector. The goal of the Agora Talks is to inform participants about new trends in film production, offer fresh perspectives, and pave the way for future collaborations in the field of cinema and the audiovisual arts. The Agora Talks will be hosted in the Central Events Hall of the Music Center of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, in collaboration with the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
As part of this year’s Agora at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, a total of nine Talks will take place:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
12.00 - 13.30
Case Study: The Great Chimera, European series co-production in action
On the occasion of the new drama series The Great Chimera, producers Pier Giorgio Bellocchio (Mompracem), Stelios Cotionis (Foss Productions) and executive producer Ferdinand Dohna (Beta Film) meet with Maria Kozakou, Head of Programming at ERT, the public broadcaster, in a discussion about the challenges and opportunities of co-production financing, resources and expertise exchange, as well as the complexities of international collaborations. The upcoming series, which was filmed in Greece and Italy, is an adaptation of M. Karagatsis’ book of the same title, one of the most important Greek novels of the 20th century. The series will premiere early November on ERT. The discussion is moderated by film critic Poly Lykourgou (Flix.gr, Nova).
Speakers:
Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, Producer - Mompracem
Stelios Cotionis, Producer - Foss Productions
Ferdinand Dohna, Head of Content and Co-Production - Beta Film
Maria Kozakou, Program General Manager - ERT
Moderation: Poly Lykourgou, film critic - Flix.gr, Nova
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
15.30 - 16.30
IP: Where Do Ideas Come From?
The session explores how ideas spark, spread, and ultimately drive social change. From producing the hit series Adolescence to the impact of gaming storytelling, innovators in the audiovisual and publishing sectors reflect on how intellectual property can fuel dialogue, cultural exchange, and new ways of thinking. By examining original IP and adaptations, development, international collaboration and transmedia storytelling, the panel highlights how creators can shape narratives that influence society. The discussion is moderated by Iosifina Grivea, journalist at 24media.gr.
Speakers:
Alisha Hasan, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer - Helsinki Film Lab (Gaming and Transmedia Lab)
Niall Shamma, Producer - Warp Films
Niki Théron, Senior Manager International Projects & Film - Frankfurter Buchmesse GmbH
Maria Chiara Ventura, Development Supervisor - Our Films
Moderation: Iosifina Grivea, journalist, 24media.gr
17.00 - 18.30
Quick fix or long game: Rethinking the film–TV relationship
This discussion wishes to explore how streamers and broadcasters can transition away from past business models to embrace independent film and TV as meaningful, long-term investments to everyone’s benefit. The panel brings together industry voices to discuss new frameworks of collaboration, sustainable financing, and the massive cultural impact of treating premium content as more than just filler.
In partnership with the Audiovisual Producers’ Association of Greece (SAPOE)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3
15:00 - 16:30
Funders as Partners
As filmmakers set out to get their films made, one of the biggest needs is finding the right partners. Come hear from experienced funders who will speak to best practices and their approach to working with filmmakers - from private investment, individual philanthropy, public and institutional funding. Leave with a plan to develop your film’s financial model and an understanding of how to work with your funding partners!
Speakers:
Ali Khechen Film Training Senior Manager / Qumra Industry Senior Manager - Doha Film Institute
Anthony Muir Senior Executive - Film i Väst
Denitsa Yordanova Head of UK Global Screen Fund and International Funds - British Film Institute
Moderation: Caroline von Kuhn Executive Director - Oxbelly
In collaboration with OXBELLY
17:00 - 18:30
AGORA Bridge to the North presentation: Coproduction opportunities with Finland
Bridge to the North welcomes Finland! Agora’s most recent channel of collaboration, brings together the South and the North of Europe, welcoming each year a different guest country from the Baltic and Nordic regions. This initiative is designed to foster co-productions, synergies, and cultural exchanges that can enrich the global film landscape. This synergy is made possible through the Festival’s collaboration with the Finnish Film Foundation, the Helsinki International Film Festival and the Finnish Film Affair and the support of the Finnish Embassy in Athens and the Finnish Institute at Athens.
Speakers:
Petri Kemppinen Producer - Good Hand Production
Jaana Puskala Head of International Department - Finnish Film Foundation
Michail Tsagkarakis Director of investments, Cash Rebate - Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center
Moderation: Zoe Kandyla Head of Development and Production - Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
15:00 - 16:30
Alternative Financing - unlocking the full financing potential of independent films
Across Europe, mounting pressure on public funds is driving independent film professionals to seek out alternative financing strategies that can help them succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape. Juliane Schulze, strategic economy expert, will explore how producers can persuasively attract investors and collaborators to back their vision.
This talk, curated by the MIDPOINT Institute, will also invite producer alumni from the Feature Launch program to exchange insights on presenting their projects to both audiences and financiers in ways that strengthen and refine their investment strategies for projects or companies.
Speaker: Juliane Schulze Strategic creative economy expert
In collaboration with the MIDPOINT Institute
17:00 - 18:30
Innovate. Collaborate. Transform: Shaping the future of our Industry
This session will delve into the critical role of innovation and collaboration in advancing our industry amidst rapid technological evolution. As new tools redefine production processes, cross-functional teamwork and cooperation become paramount. By pooling expertise and embracing contemporary technologies, we can unlock groundbreaking efficiencies, foster greater creativity, and build resilience within our field. We will share valuable insights into how strategic partnerships and cutting-edge tools can optimize workflows, elevate production quality, and empower us to not only adapt to change but actively shape the industry's future.
Speakers:
Aleksi Hyvärinen Producer - The Alchemist
Janine Jackowski Producer - Komplizen Film GmbH
Moderation: Yorgos Tsourgiannis Producer - Horsefly
In collaboration with ACE Producers
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
15:00 - 16:30
Do it right: From concept to the Festival circuit
You've invested significant money, time, and effort to make your film. Now what? You want it seen and admired by audiences, but what's the best way to achieve that? The festival circuit is vast, complex, and can be expensive. You need to know what's best for you and your film. Join us for insights on how a smart festival strategy can bring visibility to your work and potentially help you secure a strong distribution deal.
Speakers:
Arianne Buhl Film Agent / Festival Strategist - The Right Ones
Tajana Kosor Festivals & Acquisitions - Heretic
Dorota Lech Film Curator -Toronto International Film Festival
Moderation: Pauliina Ståhlberg CEO - Helsinki International Film Festival - Love and Anarchy
17:00 - 18:30
Smarter sets: Technology in the Service of a Greener Industry
This talk explores how contemporary technologies, particularly AI, can advance ecological sustainability in film production. As the industry faces growing environmental challenges, AI offers innovative solutions to reduce energy use, minimize waste, and streamline workflows. From optimizing set operations to enabling virtual production and data-driven decision-making, these tools help filmmakers assess environmental impact and implement greener practices without compromising creativity. By highlighting real-world examples and forward-thinking strategies, the talk demonstrates how technology can serve not just as a creative aid, but as a catalyst for sustainable filmmaking, empowering the industry to tell stories responsibly while protecting the planet.
Speakers:
Bassam Alasad Producer, Cultural organizer,Climate Storytelling and Production Consultant- Greener Screen
George Chatzivasileiou PhD Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence, Author, Journalist
Emma Doxiadi Sustainability Coordinator - Everybodies
Moderation: Thodoris Georgakopoulos Writer, Journalist
Ask me Anything
The Ask Me Anything sessions are a service offered to attending creators and professional guests of the Agora, providing personalized one-on-one consulting sessions on topics such as: festival strategy, film financing, distribution, international sales and marketing, support from the MEDIA program, professional development, climate storytelling and sustainability in film production, diversity and inclusion, intimacy coordination, audience development and engagement strategy and much more. Among the organizations represented this year are: EURIMAGES, OXBELLY, EAVE, Film Office Central Macedonia, Frankfurter Buchmesse GmbH, Thessaly Film Office, H.F.A.C.–Creative Greece, Drama International Short Film Festival, European Film Academy, Everybodies, and Nordisk Film & TV Fond.
