From October 4 to 7, Athens will once again take center stage in the world of cinema and television as it hosts the fourth edition of The Owl Workshop & Industry Days. Organized by the Athens Film Office of the Municipality of Athens in collaboration with Develop Athens, the initiative returns with fresh energy, offering opportunities to emerging creators while bringing together leading professionals from the international audiovisual industry.
For four days, the city will transform into a hub of creativity and exchange. This year’s workshop will be held at the Electra Rhythm Athens Hotel on Ermou Street, where sixteen professional screenwriters from across the globe will participate in an intensive program dedicated to script development. The participants will work closely with acclaimed international mentors in one-to-one sessions, attend masterclasses, and engage with some of the most influential Greek and international figures in film and television.
The program is designed not only to nurture individual talent but also to build bridges between Athens and the global creative community. As Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas explained, “Athens is evolving into a hub of creativity, open to fresh ideas and international collaborations. With The Owl Workshop & Industry Days, we create space for talent to flourish, build bridges with the global market, and demonstrate that our city can host film and television stories with worldwide resonance. As the Municipality of Athens, we invest in initiatives that support young creators and broaden horizons for our city.”
The sense of vision is shared by Ioannis Georgizas, CEO of Development Athens, who noted that The Owl is more than a screenwriting workshop. “It is a platform that empowers creators while highlighting Athens as an ideal destination for film and television productions. By supporting the Athens Film Office, we invest in initiatives that leave a meaningful imprint on the city and open new pathways for the Greek audiovisual industry,” he said.
The spotlight will also shine on October 6 and 7 at the iconic Aegli Zappeiou, where the Industry Days will unfold in collaboration with the Greek Film Centre and EKOMED. This two-day gathering will bring together creators, producers, financiers, and decision-makers for a program that ranges from pitching events and panel discussions to talks and matchmaking sessions designed to spark international collaborations. Adding to the excitement, two masterclasses will be open to the public with free admission upon registration. On October 6, award-winning screenwriter and producer Michael Colleary will share three decades of Hollywood experience, reflecting on the art of storytelling and the challenges of building a lasting career in cinema and television. On October 7, Greek screenwriter and director Arty Papageorgiou will offer his own perspective on narrative design, character development, and world-building through both animation and live action, in an event organized with ASIFA, the Hellenic Animation Association.
Through initiatives like The Owl, the Athens Film Office strengthens the city’s role as an international creative hub. Founded by the Municipality of Athens to facilitate audiovisual productions, the office provides practical support from location scouting and filming permits to connecting international teams with local partners. To date, it has supported more than 200 productions, enhancing Athens’ global visibility and fostering growth in the domestic creative sector.
Participation in The Owl Workshop & Industry Days is open through the official Athens Film Office website: athensfilmoffice.com.
