Thessaloniki International Film Festival
History
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF) is an annual film festival held in Thessaloniki, Greece. The festival was established in 1960, making it one of the oldest film festivals in the Balkans. It was initially organized by the Greek Film Critics Association and was later taken over by the Greek State in 1992. The festival has since evolved into a major cultural event in Greece, attracting both local and international filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts.
Organization
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival is organized by the Thessaloniki Film Festival Organization, a non-profit organization funded by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The organization is responsible for the planning and execution of the festival, including the selection of films, the invitation of guests, and the organization of parallel events. The festival is held in November each year and lasts for ten days.
Program
The program of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival includes a variety of sections. The main section is the International Competition, where films from all over the world compete for the Golden and Silver Alexander Awards. Other sections include the Greek Films section, the Balkan Survey, and the Open Horizons section. The festival also hosts retrospectives, tributes, and special screenings. In addition to film screenings, the festival includes workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions.
Awards
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival awards several prizes each year. The most prestigious award is the Golden Alexander for Best Feature Film, which comes with a cash prize. Other awards include the Silver Alexander for Special Jury Award, the Bronze Alexander for Best Director, and awards for Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress. The festival also awards the Audience Award, which is voted by the audience.
Impact
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival has had a significant impact on the Greek and Balkan film industries. It has provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and has contributed to the development of cinema in the region. The festival has also played a role in promoting Thessaloniki as a cultural hub and attracting tourists to the city.