GREECE

COUNTRY OF HONOR 2026

Bitter Bread, by Grigoris Grigoriou (1951)

Greece: A rich cinema heritage, an industry undergoing a major transformation

In 2026, the International Classic Film Market opens a window onto Greek cinema and its heritage, at a time when Greece is experiencing a new boom in its audiovisual sector. From a popular golden age that profoundly shaped the country’s film culture to the works that brought Greek cinema beyond its borders, this history represents today a rich heritage that is being rediscovered.

Conservation, restoration and digitization give it new prospects for circulation and exploitation while the Greece on Screen plan for 2026-2030 – with a budget of 750 million euros for 2026–2030 – combines support for creative production, the appeal of Greek films, and the development and distribution of Greek cinema, whilst also allocating resources to the preservation of audiovisual heritage. supports the transformation of  the sector. 

In partnership with the Hellenic Film & Audiovisual Center (EKKOMED), the MIFC will focus on restored films, catalogues and the professionals working on their preservation, distribution and circulation, with the aim of bringing these works back to the screen and reaching new audiences, both in Greece and internationally.

THE PROGRAM

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

Panel

Cocktail
– Presented by the Hellenic Film & Audiovisual Center (Ekkomed)
Meet Greek and international partners, exchange ideas and forge new collaborations within the classic film industry.

Market Screening 
Bitter Bread, by Grigoris Grigoriou (1951)
In a Greece plagued by poverty, the Lymberis family pins all their hopes on their youngest son, a brilliant pupil… A deeply moving neorealist drama, heralding a new direction in Greek cinema.
The Market screening is open only to accredited professionals.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

Re>Birth Programme
Discover Bitter Bread by Grigoris Grigoriou (1951), film labelled Lumière Classics and learn more about the film’s restoration journey.

ALSO FEATURES:

Exhibition of Greek film posters
Discover a themed exhibition of original Greek film posters that showcases the richness, creativity and visual identity of Greece’s cinematic history.

Greece Booth
Throughout the Market, come and meet representatives from the Hellenic Film & Audiovisual Centre (EKKOMED) and discuss restoration projects, catalogues and potential collaborations with Greek heritage film professionals.