The Thessaloniki International Film Festival launches its 67th edition on Thursday 5 November, running until Sunday 15 November. Opening night belongs to 'Minotaur', the new feature by Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev, which took the Grand Prix at this year's Cannes Film Festival. The closing slot goes to May el-Toukhy's 'The Unknown Woman', winner of the Golden Lion in Venice.
In all, 258 films will play in the city's venues, including the Olympion and the port, with 58 more available online. Greek cinema has a strong presence, with 26 features and 27 shorts, 19 of them world premieres. Six competitive sections share more than €200,000 in cash prizes, scholarships and services, while an immersive section puts eight works in the running for a Golden Alexander.
Spanish filmmaker Oliver Laxe, director of 'Sirāt', is guest curator of a 17-film tribute to the desert. The festival also celebrates Turkish director Emin Alper, and honorary Golden Alexanders go to Greek director Nikos Grammatikos and composer Stavros Xarchakos. British film theorist Laura Mulvey will give a talk.
On the industry side, the Agora market remains a key stop for projects from south-east Europe, offering regional talent a chance to meet international producers and sales agents.
