Chania Film Festival opens with 400 films

The 14th Chania Film Festival has officially commenced, running from October 21 to November 1. The opening ceremony, held at the Chania Spiritual Center, featured a screening of Nikos Koundouros’s iconic film “The Dragon”.

The festival program includes approximately 400 cinematic works, ranging from animations and short films to documentaries and classic feature-length productions. The event expects to host around 300 industry professionals, including directors, actors, and technicians, who will participate in screenings, discussions, workshops, and masterclasses.

Special tributes are dedicated to Nikos Koundouros and Manos Hatzidakis to mark their respective centenaries. Additionally, the festival features a tribute to director Béla Tarr. Beyond professional screenings, the event emphasizes education, with scheduled activities for approximately 8,500 students and teachers. The festival is co-organized by the Region of Crete and the municipalities of Chania, Platanias, and Kissamos.