“In a moment the lights come on and the music brings our magicians to the stage”are the lyrics of a song by Dionysis Savvopoulos, which was sung on the Olympian stage by the Deputy Minister of Culture Jason Fotilas, marking the opening of the 66th Thessaloniki Film Festival.
A Festival which, as its general director pointed out, Elise Zalando “cares about tomorrow’s world, future generations, our children’s children” characterizing it “statement of hope” in the crises of the time. “Our aim at the Festival is to present and talk about all the big issues of our times, but also to look for solutions all together, up close. Let’s make the twist, the “plot twist”, which is also our central tribute this year. Because art exists to help us not lose hope”he said.
The presentation of the evening was made by Grigoris Eleftherioucreator of the persona babaka.gr, who connected cinema with parenthood with humor, presenting the highlights of the event: the Plot Twist tribute, the role of Agora and this year’s ambassador Sotiris Kontizathe tribute to Giorgos Tseberopoulos, as well as her imminent arrival Isabelle Hyperthis year’s glamorous guest.
At the event, the spotlight turned on India Moorea cast member of his opening film Father Mother Sister Brother Jim Jarmusch. She, who was on TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world, took the stage and expressed her gratitude for being in Greece, specifically in Thessaloniki. “Film, television and stories help us remember that we are not just individuals, but exist as a collective… We are all reflections of each other” he said to warm applause.
The support of political bodies
In EKKOMED, ​​the new body for cinema and audiovisuals, which “is now finding its pace and starting to function in accordance with the purposes and aspirations of all”, mentioned the Deputy Minister of Culture Iason Fotilas. “Already this year alone, payments of over 70 million euros have been made, while in the selective programs that exclusively concern the film community, from 3.5-4 million we have reached 7.5 million euros, increasing access and strengthening consultation with the area”, noted.
Earlier, the mayor of Thessaloniki Stelios Angeloudisexpressed the practical support of the Municipality in the organization of the ΦKTH, announcing the new prize that will be awarded from this year in the Meet the Neighbors+ competition section. “The Municipality of Thessaloniki institutes the Argyros Alexandros – Directing Award, which will be accompanied by a cash prize of 5,000 euros. It is an honor, more of a reward for what the Festival has offered all these years to this …ageless city”he characteristically said.
The deputy governor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Yutikasspoke about the support of the Region of Central Macedonia to the institution, while emphasizing that through the Film Office, the region is an attractive destination for film productions. “More than 160 international productions have been filmed here, in our country. And seven of them come from the largest international production companies. In fact, the most recent one, exactly one week ago, was completed with impressive results in Thessaloniki with filming in the White Tower, Kalamaria, in the Castles of the Upper Town. Thus, step by step, the Region of Central Macedonia acquires its own place on the world map of cinema.”
The Deputy Minister of the Interior responsible for Macedonian Thrace issues, Kostas Giulekaswelcomed the guests of the Festival in Thessaloniki, the city where the Film Festival was born, but also the first filmmakers, the Manakia brothers, as well as other media such as radio or television. “Because we all traveled through the dark halls, to love, to love, to adventure, to action, to history, we learned so much and we are glad that this year the festival opens its curtain once again”he noted.
Opening film and video message by Jim Jarmusch
The opening film of the 66th Thessaloniki Film Festival, which was awarded the Golden Lion at the recent Venice Film Festival, was presented by the Festival’s artistic director Orestis Andreadakisemphasizing that it is a triptych about the bonds and bonds of family. “He has all the elements of Jarmus that we love. The special humor, the penetration, the unpredictable characters, the insurmountable directing style and at the same time it is perhaps his most mature and most personal film”he noted.
Afterwards, the American director himself, in a video message, apologized for his absence and declared that he was very happy that his film would be screened in Thessaloniki. After all, some of the film’s contributors are already present, such as India Moorethe famous cinematographer arrives tomorrow Fredrick Elmsconstant partner of both Jim Jarmusch -as well as his earlier ones David Lynchwho will even reveal his family connection with Thessaloniki, while the film’s producer will also be present, Attila Salih Yuger and the great costume designer Catherine Georgewho will even give two exciting masterclasses as part of the event.
In total, this year’s Festival will present 278 feature and short films in seven physical theaters, while 86 of them will also be shown online through the online.filmfestival.gr platform.
- Central photo: The actress India Moore, speaks in the presence of the film critic and Director of the Greek Theater Orestis Andreadakis, at the opening ceremony of the 66th Thessaloniki Film Festival, at the Olympian cinema, on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Source :Skai
I am Frederick Tuttle, who works in 247 News Agency as an author and mostly cover entertainment news. I have worked in this industry for 10 years and have gained a lot of experience. I am a very hard worker and always strive to get the best out of my work. I am also very passionate about my work and always try to keep up with the latest news and trends.
