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The vibrant world of animation is set to shine in the capital of the Cyclades as the ANIMASYROS International Animation Festival returns for its 18th year, running from September 22 to 28, 2025. This year’s festival promises an even richer program, showcasing a remarkable collection of 280 films from both acclaimed and emerging creators across 50 countries.

As the largest animation festival in Greece and one of the top 20 in Europe, ANIMASYROS features:

• 7 competition sections: International, Student, K.ID.S, AnimaPride, National Competition, TV Commissioned Films, and Feature Films.
• Special tributes and educational workshops.
• Parallel events and international collaborations.
• The Agora, a key reference point for the animation industry in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The festival kicks off on Wednesday, September 24 at 20:00 with an official opening at the iconic Apollon Theatre. Attendees will be treated to the Greek premiere of the award-winning film Olivia The Clouds (Olivia Las Nubes) by renowned Dominican filmmaker Tomás Pichardo Espaillat, who will be present for the screening. This film made its world debut at the 77th Locarno Film Festival last August.

On the same day, the short film Ninety Seconds for Mikis Theodorakis will also be screened. This marks the sixth installment in the “Ninety Seconds” series, produced in collaboration with Melodia 99.2. The series brings to life the stories of beloved Greek songwriters and singers through animation, accompanied by their iconic songs. This particular animated biopic honors the legendary composer Mikis Theodorakis, drawing inspiration from his distinctive works.

The festival will conclude with a celebration in the courtyard of the Hermoupolis Town Hall. Events will take place in several iconic locations across Syros, including the Hermoupolis Cultural Centre, Valma Conference Hall, and the Capuchin Monastery.

For the second consecutive year, ANIMASYROS will extend its reach beyond Syros, with activities in seven branch offices across Andros, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, and Tinos. The Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 at 20:00 at the Apollon Theatre, followed by a grand party at Pavone Syros, featuring music curated by Leonidas Antonopoulos from Kosmos 93.6.

This year’s festival will also showcase the highly anticipated avant-premiere of the blockbuster Ne Zha 2 on September 29, in collaboration with NEO Films. The film follows the mischievous Ne Zha as he forms an alliance with the Dragon Prince Ao Bing to protect their tribes.

In a special tribute, the festival will honor the legendary independent animator Bill Plympton, a two-time Academy Award nominee known for his unique style and collaborations with icons like Madonna and Kanye West. Plympton will present ten of his films and lead a masterclass as part of the Agora.

This year’s theme, “Animated Cosmos”, will explore how animation interprets the vastness of space. The festival will screen 25 films, including Disney classics like WALL-E and Lightyear, alongside independent European shorts.

ANIMASYROS 2025 will also feature an extensive tribute to the dynamic Croatian animation scene, curated by Daniel Šuljić, showcasing landmark films from the 1950s to contemporary works.

As part of the Great Greek Masters tribute, the festival will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Greek Animation, featuring screenings of historic films and an exhibition of original works by pioneering Greek animators.

With a total of 113 films competing across various sections, the festival promises to highlight the best in animation, including the introduction of the New Greek Voices category, showcasing emerging talent.

In addition to the screenings, the Agora will host a series of workshops, masterclasses, and networking events, providing opportunities for creators to connect and collaborate. Notable figures from the animation industry, including Bill Kinder from Pixar and rising Armenian director Tigran Arakelyan, will share their insights and experiences.

For the third year, ANIMASYROS will feature a VR lounge, offering interactive workshops and award-winning virtual reality experiences, allowing visitors to explore the intersection of animation and technology.

With a commitment to inclusivity, the festival will also present screenings accessible to individuals with visual or hearing impairments, alongside educational workshops for all ages.

ANIMASYROS 2025 is co-organized with the Municipality of Syros-Hermoupolis and supported by various partners, including the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center and SKY express. The festival is set to be a landmark event in the animation calendar, celebrating creativity and innovation in the art of animation.

For more information, visit www.animasyros.gr.

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