ATHENS MARATHON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (8)

Festival start: 12 December 2026      Festival end: 12 December 2026

The Athens Marathon International Film Festival (A.M.I.F.F.) is more than a cinematic event; it is a celebration of independent cinema that connects Athens with the world. In the historic and vibrant city that gave birth to the Marathon, the festival brings together creators and audiences, offering a platform for bold, authentic, and artistically pioneering voices.

Founded by the non profit cultural and educational organization “THE BASEMENT”, its mission from the very beginning has been to highlight films distinguished by originality, atmosphere, and the power of storytelling.

From its 8th edition onward, A.M.I.F.F. has evolved into a monthly competition with an annual event, giving filmmakers more opportunities for recognition and audiences more moments of cinematic experience.
Each month, the jury selects winners, honorable mentions, and finalists, who receive electronic award certificates. The best short films (international or Greek short), at the jury’s discretion, qualify for the annual festival in Athens, where they compete for the Film of the Year Award and the Audience Award, through live screenings attended by both jury and audience.

The festival offers:

• Low submission fees, among the most affordable in Europe.

• Free admission to screenings, ensuring participation by a wide and diverse audience.

• IMDb listing for all awarded and nominated films.

• The opportunity for filmmakers to acquire the handcrafted Owl Trophy, a unique work of art symbolizing the wisdom and spirit of the festival.

Beyond Athens, A.M.I.F.F. travels: through the initiative “The Festival Travels”, selected films are screened in communities across Greece — from mountain villages to coastal towns — in open air screenings and local events. In this way, the festival acts as a cultural and educational institution, bringing independent cinema to communities that often lack access to such experiences.

The Athens Marathon International Film Festival is an official holder of the EFFE Label from the European Festivals Association (EFA), a recognition that confirms its artistic excellence, community engagement, and international outlook. In previous editions, the festival was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, further strengthening its institutional character.

Awards & Prizes

The Athens Marathon International Film Festival (A.M.I.F.F.) celebrates the diversity and richness of independent cinema, offering awards across a wide range of categories. Each distinction is accompanied by an electronic certificate, while winners have the opportunity to acquire the emblematic, handcrafted Owl Trophy.


Main Film Categories

• Best Short Film
• Best Mid Length Film
• Best Feature Film
• Best Documentary
• Best Student Film
• Best Animation Film
• Best Art/Dance Film
• Best Music Video
• Best Experimental Film
• Best Greek Film
• Best Greek Short Film

Directing & Creation

• Best Director
• Best New Director
• Best Greek Director
• Best New Greek Director

Performance

• Best Actor
• Best Supporting Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Supporting Actress
• Best Ensemble Cast

Technical Categories

• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Sound Design
• Best Original Score / Soundtrack
• Best VFX / Special Effects
• Best Production Design
• Best Costume Design (& Make Up)
• Best Poster
• Best Campaign Visual (Poster/Key Art Extension)
• Best Trailer / Teaser
• Best Photo (separate photography competition running parallel to the festival)

Screenwriting

• Best Original Script (Feature)
• Best Original Script (Short)
• Best Adapted Script
• Best Concept Script
• Best Dialogue Writing

Special Thematic Categories

• Best Micro Short (≤5 minutes)
• Best Horror Short
• Best Thriller Short
• Best Sci Fi Short
• Best Fantasy Short
• Best LGBTQ+ Film
• Best Social Justice Film
• Best Environmental Film
• Best Web Series Episode

Jury Special Distinctions

• Most Creative Storytelling
• Most Unique Vision
• Best Atmosphere
• Best Use of Music
• Best Cinematic Concept
• Most Impactful Theme

Audience Award

• Owl Audience Award – presented through live voting during screenings

The Owl – Symbol of Wisdom, Athens, and Athena

The owl, sacred bird of the goddess Athena and emblem of ancient Athens, is the iconic trophy of the festival. It symbolizes wisdom, art, and vigilance. Each Owl Trophy is a handcrafted work of art, unique like every film that is honored. It embodies wisdom, excellence, and the continuity of Athens’ cultural heritage.

• Golden Owl Trophy – Award
• Silver Owl Trophy – Honorable Mention
• Bronze Owl Trophy – Finalist
• Platinum Owl Trophy – Film of the Year
• Golden Owl Audience Award – Audience Prize

The Platinum Owl Trophy and the Audience Award are offered free to the top winners. Other trophies are available at a symbolic cost that reflects the value of handcrafted artistry and supports the continuation of the festival as a living cultural institution.

Additional Services

• Publish an Interview (no waivers)
• Review of Your Film (no waivers)

Rules & Terms

- Submissions

• All films must be submitted exclusively through the festival’s official partner platforms.

• Multiple category submissions are allowed if criteria are met.

• Filmmakers may submit more than one film.


- Duration & Format

• Micro Shorts: up to 5 minutes.

• Short Films: up to 30 minutes.

• Mid Length Films: 31–59 minutes.

• Feature Films: 60+ minutes.

• All films must be available in high resolution digital format.


- Language & Subtitles

• All films, regardless of production language, must include English subtitles.

• This applies even to English language films, ensuring accessibility and uniform screening.

• Subtitle quality and accuracy are the responsibility of the filmmaker.


- Selection & Awards

• The jury evaluates based on artistic value, originality, and technical excellence.

• Winners, honorable mentions, and finalists are announced monthly.

• The best film each month in the Short Film or Greek Short Film category, at the jury’s discretion, qualifies for the annual festival in Athens.

• The festival travels: screenings may also take place in other cities or at different times outside Athens.

• All distinctions are accompanied by electronic certificates.


- Trophies

• Winners may acquire the emblematic, handcrafted Owl Trophy.

• The Platinum Owl Trophy and the Golden Audience Award are offered free to top winners.

• Other trophies are available at a symbolic cost that reflects the value of handcrafted artistry and supports the festival’s continuation as a living cultural institution.


- Additional Services

• Publish an Interview – official publication of a creator interview.

• Review of Your Film – official review of the film.

• Optional services offered at separate cost.


- Legal Disclaimer

• Participation implies acceptance of all rules and terms.

• Film rights remain exclusively with the creators.

• The festival may use excerpts (trailers, stills, posters) for promotional purposes.

• The festival is not responsible for copyright infringements by participants.

• Jury decisions are final and irrevocable.

• Submission fees are non refundable in case of rejection or cancellation.

• By submitting, filmmakers confirm they hold all necessary rights for images, music, and content.