From 4 to 7 October 2025, Athens becomes a meeting place for the international screen industry as The Owl Workshop & Industry Days moves into the city center. Hosted by the Athens Film Office with Development Athens, the fourth edition puts creation, networking and practical opportunities for local and global talent front and center.
Why is Athens at the center of world cinema this week?
City officials say Athens is growing into an open hub for fresh ideas and international partnerships. The initiative connects with the global market and shows the city can host film and television stories with worldwide appeal, while also giving a lift to emerging creators.
Who is behind the event?
The Owl Workshop & Industry Days is organized by the Athens Film Office of the Municipality of Athens in collaboration with Development Athens. The Industry Days (6-7 October) are presented with the Greek Centre for Cinema, Audiovisual Media and Creation (EKKOMED).
What does the program offer (4-7 Oct)?
The 4th Owl Workshop takes place at the Electra Rhythm Athens hotel on Ermou Street. Sixteen professional screenwriters from around the world follow an intensive script development track with one-to-one mentoring, masterclasses and meetings with leading Greek and international professionals from film and television.
Who participates as mentors?
- Larry Bass: CEO, Founder & Executive Producer, Shinawil
- Tracy Brimm: Head of Film and Television, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates
- Brendan Fitzgerald: CEO, Secuoya Studios
- Gustavo Gontijo: Executive Producer, Development, O2 Filmes
- Meg Thomson: EVP Worldwide Content, Globalgate Entertainment
Where and when are the Industry Days?
On 6-7 October, the heart of the event is the emblematic Aegli Zappeiou venue. Over two days, Industry Days bring creators, producers, financiers and decision-makers together for pitching events, panels, talks and dedicated matchmaking sessions aimed at kick-starting new collaborations.
Where and when are the open masterclasses?
Two masterclasses will be open to the public with prior registration (free entry):
What are the next dates and topics?
- 6 October, 17:30-18:30: Michael Colleary: From Blockbusters to Storytelling Mastery (credits include Face/Off, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Professionals)
- 7 October, 19:00-20:30: Arty Papageorgiou on storytelling, character development and world-building across animation and live action; organized with ASIFA, the Hellenic Animation Association
How can residents take part?
Participation for the open sessions requires registration via the official Athens Film Office website: athensfilmoffice.com. Venues are centrally located in Athens, near Ermou Street and the Zappeion Gardens, so getting there is easy for residents and visitors.
What changed since the last edition?
This is the fourth year of the initiative and, according to organizers, it returns “more dynamic than ever”, giving a bigger platform to new creators while bringing top professionals to Athens.
What requires verification?
The source lists the 7 October masterclass time as “19:00-20:30m”, which seems to include a stray character; the end time should be confirmed with the organizer.
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