TiACF25: Film Screenings

This is Athens City Festival returns this May — bigger, bolder, and bursting into more neighbourhoods than ever before. From 1 May to 1 June, over 200 free events will take over parks, squares, rooftops and hidden corners across the capital, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore a different side of the city. Scroll down for a curated selection of this year’s events — or head to the official festival site to see the full programme.

From cult classics to contemporary Greek gems, from queer cinema to retro sci-fi under the stars — This is Athens City Festival turns the city into an open-air cinema. With screenings in parks, gardens, historic venues and hidden gems, this year’s film selection is all about bold stories, iconic soundtracks, and unforgettable atmospheres. Here’s a taste of what’s rolling.

08/05: Midnight Express: Mad Max, Athens Observatory: The cult post-apocalyptic thriller screens under the stars as part of Akis Kapranos’ beloved Midnight Express — reviving the magic of late-night cinema with a city view.

08–12/05: Queer Movie Nights, Trianon Cinema: A landmark for LGBTQI+ film in Athens, this inclusive programme returns with shorts, documentaries, and features from around the world — offering space, stories, and solidarity.

15/05: Midnight Express: Star Trek, Athens Observatory: The sci-fi legend that launched a franchise screens in one of the city’s most striking outdoor settings — an interstellar nod to cinema history.

22/05: Midnight Express: Purple Rain, Athens Observatory: Prince, purple, and pure cinematic attitude. Watch the iconic 1984 musical film where it belongs — outside, at night, with volume up and sky wide open.

26–29/05: Greek Cinema Nights, Eleftherias Park: Four nights of open-air screenings spotlight the best of contemporary Greek cinema in a lush park setting — just bring a blanket.

26/05–01/06: Hispanic Film Festival, Ellinis & Aello Cinemas: A week of screenings featuring celebrated films from Spain, Latin America, and beyond, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of Spanish-speaking cinema.

* Most events are free entrance and require no tickets, to the exception of some that have a priced ticket, or require pre-registration, or are invitation-only. All related information to each of the festival's events can be found on the festival's website, under the page for each event.