We Are What We Feel: A Glimpse of Greece in the Heart of Berlin
The Greek Film Festival in Berlin: A Cinematic Bridge Between Greece and Germany
March 30th, 2026Each spring, the historic Babylon cinema in the heart of the German capital becomes a vibrant meeting point for stories, cultures, and perspectives from Greece. The Greek Film Festival in Berlin, founded in 2015 as Hellas Filmbox Berlin, presents contemporary Greek cinema to German and international audiences, offering a rare opportunity to experience new films on the big screen.
Now in its 11th edition, this year's five-day festival ran from 25 to 29 March 2026, presenting 31 films across genres including fiction, documentaries, and shorts, many of which were screened as German or international premieres. These screenings were complemented by discussions, panels, exhibitions, and networking events that bring filmmakers, producers, jury members, and audiences together, turning viewing into a shared cultural dialogue.
Organized by the German-Greek Cultural Association, the festival is part of a broader mission to strengthen Greek-German cultural relations. The association has since developed multiple projects, including The Greek Film Festival Goes Frankfurt and The Greek Film Festival Goes Köln. Its founders, artists Asteris Kutulas and Ina Kutulas, laid the foundation for a festival that balances artistic excellence with accessibility.
Today, the festival is directed by Sofia Stavrianidou, with Alkistis Kafetzi overseeing organization and film logistics. Together, they curate a programme that highlights the diversity and creativity of Greek cinema while fostering dialogue across cultures. The festival has become a platform where Greek storytelling, which often explores identity, social change, and resilience, meets Berlin’s rich cultural scene, creating meaningful connections for audiences and artists alike.
In a time when cultural exchange is increasingly digital or abstract, the Greek Film Festival in Berlin offers something tangible: shared spaces, engaging stories, and an opportunity for communities to connect. Between screenings, discussions, and exhibitions, cinema fulfills its most enduring role. To bring people together across borders and perspectives.
References:
- https://www.deutsch-griechische-kulturassoziation.de/
- https://thegreekfilmfestivalinberlin.com/about/
