12 Jun PRESS RELEASE 12/06/2026 – 8th Bridges Loutraki International Film Festival June 13–21, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
Loutraki becomes the capital of cinema in June!
8th Loutraki International Film Festival “BRIDGES”
13 – 21 June 2026 | Free Admission
We are delighted to announce the organization of the 8th Loutraki International Film Festival “BRIDGES”, which will take place from 13 to 21 June 2026, under the auspices of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and the Municipality of Loutraki – Perachora – Agioi Theodoroi.
This year, the audience will have the opportunity to enjoy:
🎬 90 short and feature films from 26 countries, with the presence of the filmmakers
🎬 The Cineart International Short Film Festival
🎬 Educational seminars and film workshops
🎬 Pitching & networking events for audiovisual professionals
🎬 The art exhibition “My Loutraki” by Ariana Bini at Beau Rivage
🎬 The “NEREAS” Film Awards
🎬 The grand premiere of “1st BRIDGES – Greece on Classic Wheels.”
The Festival opens on Saturday, 13 June with the “1st BRIDGES – Greece on Classic Wheels”, a unique journey of classic and historic cars from the PETROSOPHY International Cultural Center in Agioi Theodoroi to the Loutraki Waterfalls. The start will be given at 18:00. The following presentations will take place prior to the departure:
- “A mobile museum with the car as a central film setting”, by Avraam Papadopoulos, President of HATSE and FIA representative.
• “Road Safety and New Technologies”, by Iason Barouxis, Mobility Activities – HATSE Greece.
At 20:30, at the historic open-air cinema HLEKTRA, the official opening ceremony of the Festival will take place, featuring a musical program by the Choir of Friends of Music of the Municipality of Loutraki – Perachora – Agioi Theodoroi, awards to the crews of historic vehicles, and an honorary distinction to beloved actress Alexandra Ladikou.
The opening film of the Festival is “The First Man”, based on the play by the great American writer Eugene O’Neill, Nobel Prize in Literature (1936) and multiple Pulitzer Prize winner. The work has been adapted for the screen with great sensitivity by a British filmmaking team led by creator, director, and producer Hardeep Giani, in his debut feature film.
A world premiere screening will also include the dramatized theatrical work “A Season in Hell”, translated and adapted by Stratis Paschalis and directed by Ilias Malarndris, with original music by Nena Venetsanou and performances by Kostas Nikouli, Nikos Gelias, Georgia Anesti, and Katerina Moutsou. It is a poetic portrait of Arthur Rimbaud, exploring his turbulent life and lasting influence as a symbol of freedom and rebellion.
Screenings will take place at the historic open-air cinema HLEKTRA from 13 to 20 June, starting at 21:30, with free admission.
The Beau Rivage Municipal Building at the Loutraki seafront will host:
A. The art exhibition “My Loutraki” by Ariana Bini (14–21 June). Opening: 14/6, 20:00.
B. Virtual reality screenings with special equipment (14–20 June, 19:30–20:00).
C. Educational & Networking activities on Saturday 20 June (17:00–20:00):
• “The Art of Screenwriting in Cinema and Comics: Similarities and Differences” – Haris Gioulatos, director
• “New Topographics – Photographic Landscapes” – Miltos Papadimitropoulos, architect and photographer
• “Olympia the Horse – Film Preproduction: Visual Design, Storyboards, Animatics, Previs” – Alexis Chaviaras, director and animator
• Pitching sessions by participating filmmakers
The closing ceremony and the “NEREUS” Film Awards will take place on Sunday 21 June at 19:00, at the PETROSOPHY International Cultural Center in Agioi Theodoroi, the gateway to the Peloponnese.
The musical program, dedicated to beloved songs from international musicals, is curated by Eleftheria Voulgari, with performances by Nicoleta Strongyli, Anastasia Vlouti, Angeliki Xydi, and Paraskevi Sarri.
For nine days, cosmopolitan Loutraki and Agioi Theodoroi will be filled with images, stories, creators, and culture from all over the world, establishing Corinthia as a meeting point for international cinematic dialogue.
The Loutraki International Film Festival “BRIDGES”, certified by EFFE (Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe), is a dynamic institution that promotes intercultural dialogue, creative expression, and networking among film professionals from Greece and abroad. Through screenings, educational programs, artistic collaborations, and international participation, it builds bridges of communication between cultures and new cinematic voices.
We look forward to welcoming you to a unique cinematic experience by the sea!
INFORMATION
8th Loutraki International Film Festival “BRIDGES.”
Organization: Cineart Cultural Company (AMKE)
Artistic Director: Petra Terzi
Tel.: +30 697 208 0441
Email: bridgesloutraki@gmail.com
Website: www.bridgesfest.eu
Facebook: Bridgesfilmfest
Instagram: Cineart_gr