Greece will be hosting the 2nd Lumière Summit in 2027, bringing international policymakers and film industry leaders together in Athens, to discuss the future of cinema and audiovisual creation, as the country steps up its efforts to strengthen its position in the global film industry.
French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard announced the news during the inaugural Lumière Summit held last month in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, and co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
Greece, represented by Deputy Culture Minister Iason Fotilas and Hellenic Film & Audiovisual Center (EKKOMED) CEO Leonidas Christopoulos, was among 65 participating countries.
Earlier this year, European Film Academy President and Academy Award winning actress Juliette Binoche met with Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni in Thessaloniki, Greece, ahead of the 39th European Film Awards in 2027.
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The decision demonstrates Greece’s strengthened presence on the global audiovisual scene and is a unique opportunity to further promote Greek creative talent, raise the international profile of its audiovisual sector, and foster partnerships with key players shaping the industry’s future.
A key outcome of the inaugural summit was the creation of the Lumière Alliance, the first global network of national film and audiovisual organizations responsible for developing and implementing film and audiovisual policy. Greece through EKKOMED is among the countries participating in the alliance. There are currently 54 national film agencies in the network.
The alliance aims to facilitate international cooperation, encourage the exchange of expertise, and support the development of shared approaches to the challenges facing cinema and audiovisual creation.
“By participating in the Alliance Lumière from the outset, Greece will be at the heart of the decision-making processes that will shape the audiovisual landscape for decades to come,” said Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, adding that the Athens event provides an opportunity to put its landscapes, talent, and creative industry in the international spotlight.
For Christopoulos, the goal is twofold: to increase the international visibility of Greece’s cinematic potential and ensure the country has a voice in the discussions and decisions that will shape the future of audiovisual creation.
European Film Awards in Athens
Photo: Greek Culture Ministry
The Lumière Summit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Greece’s presence on the international cinema scene. In 2027, Athens will also host the 39th European Film Awards. The event will take place on January 16, 2027 at the Greek National Opera in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
This is the first time a country in Southeastern Europe will be hosting the event, the largest and most influential of its kind.
The 39th European Film Awards are coordinated by EKKOMED in partnership with cultural organizations. The event will be broadcast live across Europe by the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT).
Together, the two events will place Athens at the center of the European and international film calendar in 2027.
In the last few years, Greece has emerged as a major force in the global film industry attracting high profile productions with Greek films and filmmakers gaining recognition at major events, including the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Cannes Film Festival.
Write to Maria Paravantes at mparavantes@tovima.com