Published on
March 16, 2026
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The 28th edition of the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival concluded with a vibrant celebration of documentary storytelling and cultural exchange. The festival took place from March 5 to March 15 in the historic port city of Thessaloniki, drawing filmmakers, critics, and international travelers from around the world.
Over eleven days, the Mediterranean city transformed into a global hub for documentary cinema. Film screenings, panel discussions, and immersive experiences filled theatres across the city. Visitors explored the city’s cultural landmarks and seaside promenades between screenings.
According to the Greek National Tourism Organisation, cultural events like international film festivals increasingly attract travelers seeking authentic experiences. Thessaloniki has emerged as a destination where cinema, heritage, and tourism meet.
The festival’s highest honor, the Golden Alexander for Best Documentary in the International Competition, was awarded to Closure, directed by Michał Marczak. The prize includes €12,000 and places the film among contenders for the prestigious Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
The international jury included film editor Dana Bunescu, curator and producer Caroline Libresco, and producer Yorgos Papalios. In their comments, the jurors indicated that the film powerfully explores the emotional inner world of a father coping with absence and grief.
They suggested that the documentary uses the full expressive potential of cinema to immerse viewers in the protagonist’s psychological experience. Through its storytelling approach, the film transforms personal loss into a deeply present cinematic moment.
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For visitors attending the festival, screenings of award-winning documentaries such as Closure often become the highlight of the cultural program.
The Silver Alexander Award, accompanied by €5,000, went to Birds of War, directed by Janay Boulos and Abd Alkader Habak. The documentary explores the resilience of ordinary people living amid conflict and violence.
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The jury highlighted that the film portrays how everyday citizens continue defending compassion and democratic values even during times of hardship. The story reflects the strength of human solidarity in the face of war.
The film achieved significant recognition during the festival. In addition to the Silver Alexander, it also received the FIPRESCI Award, the WIFT GR Award, and the Human Rights in Motion Award.
Two other films received Special Mentions in the International Competition. The Beauty of Errors by Jukka Kärkkäinen and Around Paradise by Yulia Lokshina impressed jurors with their creative storytelling approaches.
The Newcomers International Competition highlights debut and sophomore documentary filmmakers. This year’s Golden Alexander – Dimitri Eipides Award went to At No Cost, directed by Mary Bouli. The award carries a €10,000 prize.
The jury consisted of documentary filmmaker Melody Gilbert, filmmaker and editor Farahnaz Sharifi, and director Chryssa Tzelepi. Their comments indicated that the documentary offers an intimate exploration of a young woman’s effort to understand and protect her own body.
The narrative follows her journey from innocence to awareness while confronting a healthcare system that often ignores women’s experiences.
The Silver Alexander Award in this category went to Replica by Chouwa Liang. The film examines loneliness, societal expectations for women, and the influence of digital relationships in contemporary society.
The festival’s Film Forward International Competition focuses on bold cinematic experimentation and emerging voices in documentary filmmaking.
The Golden Alexander prize in this category was awarded to Dear Future by Christiana Cheiranagnostaki. The jury included visual artist Aikaterini Gegisian, architect and cultural programmer Sandra Pires, and programmer Alberto Valverde.
The jurors noted that the documentary explores archives as structures connected to colonial histories. They highlighted how the film links historical fragments to modern visual culture.
The Silver Alexander in this category went to Level, directed by Carlos Mora Fuentes and Anna Berkhof. The film received praise for its poetic visual style and gentle portrayal of humanity’s relationship with nature.
Beyond traditional documentaries, the festival also celebrated innovative storytelling formats. In the Immersive: All Around Cinema section, the Immersive Golden Alexander Award went to Another Place by Domenico Singha Pedroli.
The jury suggested that the project uses sound, visuals, and interactive elements to create a fully immersive narrative environment for audiences.
Meanwhile, the Podcast Award was presented to The Last Projectionist by Nikos Theodosiou. The audio documentary focuses on the disappearing profession of cinema projectionists and the invisible work behind film screenings.
Several additional prizes celebrated documentaries addressing global social issues. The Amnesty International Award went to American Doctor directed by Poh Si Teng.
The Human Values Award of the Hellenic Parliament recognized La Pietà by Rafa Molés and Pepe Andreu. Meanwhile, the WWF Greece Award honored Time and Water by Sara Dosa.
Greek cinema also received strong recognition. Bugboy by Lucas Paleocrassas won the Greek Association of Film Critics’ Award. The FIPRESCI Award for Best Greek Film went to EXILE(S), Tales From an Island by Yorgos Iliopoulos.
For global travelers, the festival offers far more than film screenings. According to the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Thessaloniki is one of Greece’s most significant cultural centers.
Visitors attending the festival often explore iconic landmarks during their stay. Popular attractions include the historic White Tower of Thessaloniki and the scenic Thessaloniki Waterfront Promenade.
The city’s lively markets, museums, and culinary traditions also attract international tourists. Travelers frequently combine the festival with visits to nearby archaeological sites and coastal destinations across northern Greece.
Film festivals have increasingly become drivers of cultural tourism worldwide. Travelers now seek destinations where artistic events provide deeper connections with local culture.
The Thessaloniki Documentary Festival exemplifies this trend. The event brings together filmmakers, critics, and audiences while showcasing the rich heritage of northern Greece.
For visitors, the festival offers a rare opportunity. They can experience powerful documentary storytelling while exploring a historic Mediterranean city.
As the event continues to grow internationally, Thessaloniki is strengthening its reputation as both a cinematic hub and an unforgettable travel destination.