Thessaloniki Film Industry Leader Pivots Strategy Amid Global Conflict

Thanos Stavropoulos assumes the role of head for the Agora industry program at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival this spring. The festival opens on November 5 and runs through November 15. Stavropoulos has worked in the festival’s programming department for nearly twenty years. He previously served as a programming assistant before moving into leadership positions.

The industry sector faces a difficult operating environment. Conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine continue, and tensions in the Middle East remain high. These geopolitical issues coincide with economic instability in the film market. Major studios in the United States and Europe are undergoing consolidation. Stavropoulos states that the team focuses on building bridges for collaboration despite the messy global situation.

The festival is altering its structure to fit these conditions. Conversation series that were limited to industry guests are now open to all attendees. This change targets viewers who have a deep interest in the craft of filmmaking. The festival is also reinforcing mental health initiatives. A decompression room introduced last year will remain. New discussions on resolving conflict in creative partnerships will be added to the schedule.

Television has become a major part of the Agora’s output. A dedicated series strand launched in 2022 has grown to span the opening weekend. This year’s lineup includes masterclasses with screenwriter Tom Rob Smith and series creator Christopher Papakaliatis. Sessions will examine the future of Greek scripted television. They will also cover strategies for packaging local series for international markets.

Greece signed the European Convention earlier this year. This treaty is the first international agreement to support independent co-productions for streaming and television. Stavropoulos intends to use this framework to help Greek and regional talents. The Agora plans to launch a regional pitching platform for both emerging and established screenwriters.

Recent alumni from the festival have seen recent recognition. Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov, Myrsini Aristidou, and Alina Șerban have had their films short-listed for the upcoming European Film Awards in Athens. Aristidou’s debut film, Hold Onto Me, is the first Cypriot submission for the Oscars.

The current lineup features projects from directors Darko Lungulov, Nikola Ležaić, and Egyptian filmmakers Ayman El Amir and Nada Riyadh. These works will be presented to industry professionals. The selection includes time travel narratives and stories set in the early 20th century.

Stavropoulos aims to refine the existing formula rather than overhaul it. The festival intends to maintain its current size while widening its international reach. He views Thessaloniki’s position at the crossroads of Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean as a strategic advantage. The festival will run from November 5 to 15.