Against the backdrop of the Euboean Gulf, in Loutra Edipsou, and within the framework of the 5th Evia Film Project, which brought together hundreds of professionals from the Greek film industry, the two largest film organizations in Greece, the Thessaloniki Film Festival and the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center - EKKOMED, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and a Programmatic Agreement in a celebratory atmosphere.

The aim of the agreement is the development, extroversion, and international promotion of Greek film production, as well as the strengthening of the Agora, the Festival’s industry section, as a pillar for the promotion of Greek cinema. The Memorandum - Programmatic Agreement was signed by Elise Jalladeau, General Director of the Festival, and Leonidas Christopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of EKKOMED. The two organizations have undertaken this important initiative in recognition of the need to further strengthen Greece’s audiovisual industry.

On the occasion of the signing, Elise Jalladeau stated: “Through its collaboration with EKKOMED, the Thessaloniki Film Festival is committed to contributing in every possible way to the international outreach of Greek cinema and to strengthening the presence of Greek filmmakers in major film markets around the world. At the same time, we aim to further establish the Festival’s Agora as a leading hub for audiovisual creation in Southeast Europe.”

Leonidas Christopoulos remarked: “As we embark on a new five-year chapter for Greek cinema, the time has finally come for the country’s two largest public institutions supporting Greek film to work within a structured framework of cooperation, enabling us to bring Greek cinema to where it truly belongs over the next five years.”

The Memorandum of Cooperation - Programmatic Agreement seeks to strengthen the international outreach and global presence of Greek film and audiovisual production; foster synergies that attract investment and support co-productions; reinforce the participation of Greek works in international festivals and markets; create new opportunities for collaboration with national and international organizations; and develop initiatives in the field of cultural diplomacy. It also aims to promote Greece’s film and audiovisual heritage and support the country’s international presence at major film institutions and events, including the 2027 European Film Awards, which will be hosted in Greece for the first time.

The Memorandum - Programmatic Agreement will be implemented through a joint operational plan featuring specific actions and will contribute, among other things, to:

Providing continuous support for the Agora, enabling it to further develop as a strategic pillar for the promotion and networking of the Greek film and audiovisual industry at both the national and international levels, and as a platform for professional networking, project development and the strengthening of co-productions, within the framework of the national strategy for the development, international outreach and global promotion of Greek film and audiovisual creation.
Promoting and strengthening the profile of Thessaloniki and the wider Central Macedonia region as a major meeting point for professionals from across the global film industry, while reinforcing its role in promoting Greek film production and supporting the development and implementation of Greek and international co-productions and collaborations.
Developing and implementing cultural diplomacy, international networking and promotional initiatives that contribute to the preparation and international visibility of major film events hosted in Greece, including the 2027 European Film Awards.
Promoting Greek film and audiovisual creation through a unified strategy and identity.
Developing synergies with third-party organizations in Greece and abroad.
Cooperating in the protection, restoration and promotion of Greece's film and audiovisual heritage.
Maintaining, developing, operating, continuously updating, promoting and internationally leveraging the filmography.gr platform as the national tool for documenting, recording and showcasing Greek film and audiovisual production, as well as the country's related cultural heritage, serving audiovisual professionals, students and the general public.