International Independent Film Festival of Athens
Unveils Its 2026 Lineup for its 4th edition: A Bold and diverse celebration of Global Storytelling
Athens, Greece – February 26, 2026
The 4th edition of the KINO Athens International Independent Film Festival proudly announces its official lineup, reaffirming its position as one of the most most vibrant film festivals in Europe for bold, diverse independent cinema. Taking place April 12-22, 2026, in the heart of Athens, the festival will showcase over 160 films from more than 40 countries, in 13 venues in Athens, celebrating daring storytelling and new cinematic voices.
Opening & Closing Night Films
The festival will open with the Greek premiere of “Stereo Girls,” directed by award-winning filmmaker Caroline Deroua Peano, a powerful, character-driven drama that explores generational tensions and with close with “Un anno di scuola,” by Italian director Laura Samani.
International Competition – Feature Films
The International Competition of Feature Films includes 9 films competing for the KINO Golden Deer Award. The selection spans intimate character studies, politically urgent dramas, and genre-bending works that challenge cinematic conventions.
International Competition – Feature Films
The International Competition of Short Films includes 46 films competing for the KINO Golden Deer Short Film Award. The selection spans intimate character studies, politically urgent dramas, and genre-bending works that challenge cinematic conventions. Among them the Good Valley Stories by José Luis Guerin.
National Competition
The National Competition returns with 26 new works highlighting the dynamism of contemporary Greek filmmaking. From microbudget debuts to internationally co-produced shorts, the section underscores Athens’ growing reputation as a creative hub for independent artists. Among them, the international premiere of Alma’s Jodorovsky new film “The missing piece” filmed entirely in the island of Amorgos.
New Sections
As part of its expanding 4th edition program, the KINO Athens International Independent Film Festival proudly introduces two new official section: KINO Music Competition & Reverse Shot
KINO Music is dedicated to celebrating the powerful relationship between cinema and sound, KINO Music Competition will spotlight films where music plays a central creative role. From David Lynch to Madonna and from Yannis Xenakis to Malaysan Punk the section aims to recognize outstanding musical composition, innovative sound design, and storytelling shaped by rhythm and performance.
Reverse Shot is dedicated on pioneering filmmakers whose work has shaped film history, yet has too often been overlooked or underrepresented in traditional retrospectives. From Joselyn Saab to Anna Karina and from Suzanne Osten to Christina Hornishert the section focuses on women-directed classics.
Independent Heroes programs
As part of the Independent Heroes program, the KINO Athens International Independent Film Festival presents a special focus on Whit Stillman, celebrating his sharp, dialogue-driven portraits of social rituals, romantic idealism, and the enduring comedy of manners in contemporary independent cinema. Mr Stillman is expected in Athens to present his cinema to the athenean audience and conduct a mastercalss of independent filmmaking. In addition, the festival pays a special focus to Sofia Bohdanowicz celebrating her deeply personal, archival-inspired filmmaking and her delicate blending of memory, performance, and cinematic essay. Sofia Bohdanowicz is expected in Athens to present her work to the Greek audience and conduct a masterclass. Moreover, the festival also honors Dominga Sotomayor with a special focus celebrating her intimate, sensorial storytelling and quietly powerful explorations of memory, family, and emotional landscapes in contemporary Latin American cinema. Finally, this year National independent hero is Zacharias Mavroeidis highlighting his witty, emotionally astute explorations of relationships, identity, and contemporary Greek life through a distinctly playful independent lens.
Surprise
Lastly, the KINO Athens International Independent Film Festival will host a special surprise screening of Astropolitics by Anthony Silberfeld at the Eugenides Foundation Planetarium, offering audiences an immersive cinematic experience under the dome.
Venues:
- Technopolis City of Athens
- Michael Cacoyannis Foundation
- Newman Cinema
- Microcosmos
- Hellenic American Union
- Goethe Institute
- Panteion University
- Cinobo Opera 2
- Italian Institute
- Eugenides Foundation Planetarium
- Europa Experience Athens
- Burger Disco
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Εύα Κούτρα
Communications and Live Events Management
BLACKBIRD COMMUNICATIONS
Τηλ: +306973400396 Email: press@theblackbird.gr & press@kinoathens.org
