Athens Film Festival Nychtes Premieras 2026: Guide and 32nd edition schedule

The Athens Film Festival, also named Nychtes Premieras, holds its 32nd edition from September 30 to October 11, 2026. The Athens Cinema Society organizes the event with support from the Greek Ministry of Culture and EKOME. The festival ranks among the main film festivals in Greece. Over twelve days, the event presents international and local film productions through both paid screenings and free activities. For visitors in Athens during this month, the festival serves as a cultural meeting point in the capital.

The Athens Film Festival holds its activities across cinema halls and cultural centers in central Athens. Main screenings take place in venues such as Danaos 1, Cinobo Opera 1, and Astor. Special sessions and side events occur at the Olympia Municipal Musical Theater Maria Callas, Onassis Stegi, and the Athens Concert Hall Megaron. For music events and parties, the organizers use venues including Floyd Live Music Venue, STEPA bar, Praxitelous, Athens Street Hub, Trianon, and Romantso. Most venues sit within walking distance of Athens metro stations, which allows visitors to travel between locations.

The festival structures its film program into several competitive and retrospective sections:

• In the International Competition section, audiences can view feature films from various continents.
• The Documentary Competition section groups documentaries addressing contemporary social, political, and cultural themes.
• The Greek Short Stories - In Competition section showcases short films from Greek filmmakers across nine days.
• The Music & Film section connects cinema with musical creation through documentaries and live-music screenings.
• The Special Screenings section brings together international premieres and restored archival films.

The program also includes tributes dedicated to international filmmakers, such as a retrospective on South Korean director Lee Chang-dong (Poetic Justice) and a selection of titles presented by director Yorgos Lanthimos.

The official program encompasses daily screenings in multiple halls and side events. Attendees can consult updated details on the official website of the 32nd Athens International Film Festival:

• Tickets and prices: Single tickets for regular screenings cost 8 euros. The special screening of The Shepherds of Disorder costs 5 euros, while the music performance at Floyd Live Music Venue costs between 12 euros (standing) and 15 euros (seated). The organizers sell a 10-session pass for 80 euros. Masterclasses and festival parties offer free entry until venue capacity is reached. For more information on where and how to purchase tickets for the Athens Film Festival Nychtes Premieras 2026, visitors should access the event's official website.
• Dress code: The festival requires no formal dress code for screenings or side events; attendees wear informal clothing.
• October weather: Athens experiences autumn weather in October, with average daytime temperatures between 18 °C and 25 °C. Attendees carry light clothing during the day and a jacket for evening travel between venues.
• Transport and access: Main venues connect directly to the Athens metro network. Cinemas such as Cinobo Opera 1, Astor, and the Olympia theater sit near Panepistimio station. Danaos 1 cinema sits near Panormou station, Onassis Stegi near Syggrou-Fix, Trianon near Victoria, and the Megaron near Megaro Moussikis station.
• Official meeting point: STEPA bar (61A Asklipiou Street) serves as the official meeting point.
• Venue rules and access: Screenings start on time, and venues deny entry once a session begins. Purchased tickets allow no changes or refunds.