DEI (Public Power Corporation) is becoming the Gold Sponsor of the Athens International Film Festival — Premiere Nights for the 2026–2027 period, marking the launch of a new partnership with one of the country’s most significant cinematic institutions. Through this collaboration, DEI strengthens its longstanding commitment to culture and supports an institution that, for more than three decades, has brought Athenian audiences closer to contemporary cinema from Greece and around the world.
The 32nd Athens International Film Festival — Premiere Nights, with DEI as Gold Sponsor, will take place from September 30 to October 11, 2026, featuring a rich program of screenings and events that will transform Athens into a grand celebration of cinema. Festival screenings and activities will be hosted at some of the city’s most iconic cultural and cinematic venues, including the Olympia Municipal Music Theatre “Maria Callas,” the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron), the Main Stage of the Onassis Stegi, as well as the Danaos, Astor, and Cinobo Opera cinemas, and the Trianon.
With a strong focus on Greek cinema and emerging filmmakers, this year’s Premiere Nights presents a diverse program of screenings and events. Highly anticipated Greek premieres take their first steps before continuing their journey to cinemas across Greece and abroad, while the Greek Short Film Competition Section has offered emerging creators a welcoming platform to showcase their work to wider audiences for more than fourteen years. Alongside the screenings, specialized workshops and masterclasses — organized in collaboration with Greek and European film industry bodies, and featuring internationally recognized filmmakers and industry professionals — create a vibrant space for dialogue and exchange between audiences and cinema professionals.
Sofia Dimitsa, General Director of Corporate Relations and Communications at DEI Group, commented: “We are especially pleased to launch our partnership with the Athens International Film Festival — Premiere Nights, an institution that holds a unique place in the city’s contemporary cultural life. For DEI, supporting culture is a steadfast choice and an essential part of our relationship with society. Through this new collaboration, we are backing contemporary filmmaking, emerging creators, and the opportunity for audiences to connect with important works and new voices in cinema.”
DEI backs two of the festival’s most prestigious awards
As part of its partnership with Premiere Nights, DEI is sponsoring two of the festival’s most prestigious accolades: the Golden Athena for Best Film and the Golden Athena for Best Documentary, each carrying a cash prize of €3,000.
The Golden Athena for Best Film is awarded by the Festival’s International Jury to the film in the International Competition that stands out for its technical and aesthetic excellence. Similarly, the Golden Athena for Best Documentary is presented by an international jury of professionals specializing in documentary filmmaking.
With an unwavering belief in the power of art to foster social cohesion and progress, DEI remains firmly committed to culture — supporting initiatives and institutions that highlight cultural heritage and bring audiences closer to significant works and the creators behind them.
