27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival [6/03-16/03/2025]
Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival Launches AGORA XR Lab: A New Initiative for Emerging XR and New Media Projects
The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival (TIDF) is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest initiative, the AGORA XR Lab. This pioneering workshop, dedicated to supporting XR (Extended Reality) and new media projects in development, will take place from March 8-13, 2025.
Designed for emerging storytellers eager to explore new forms of expression in both factual and non-factual storytelling, the AGORA XR Lab offers a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of audiovisual work in the digital age. The lab focuses on projects that bridge the realms of film, digital media, new technologies, and the performing arts, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
We are honored to have Vassiliki Khonsari as the lead mentor for this inaugural edition. Khonsari is an award-winning creative producer and writer, and the co-founder of iNK Stories, a New York City-based studio renowned for pioneering storytelling across games, films, XR, and immersive experiences. iNK’s acclaimed original titles have garnered widespread industry recognition, including BAFTA, the Sundance Imagination Award, DICE Awards, AIS Lumiere Award, and META’s Game of the Year.
With a background in Visual Anthropology and documentary filmmaking, Khonsari is a Sundance Fellow and a passionate advocate for diversity and equity in the creative industries. She consults and mentors at leading institutions such as the United Nations, Sundance, CPH:LAB, AIDC, Brooklyn Museum, European Creators Market and now joins Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival’s AGORA XR Lab. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council, an ambassador for Women in Games, and has served as a juror at both the Tribeca Festival 2023 and Cannes Festival 2024.
The AGORA XR Lab comes as a valuable complement to the existing Immersive section of the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, enhancing the festival’s commitment to exploring and supporting the future of storytelling through innovative technologies and media.
Open Call for Submissions
The AGORA XR Lab is now accepting submissions from emerging artists and creators from diverse backgrounds and artistic disciplines. The open call begins on August 29, 2024, with a submission deadline of November 29, 2024. Projects can be in all stages of development and must include at least two creative members, such as a creator-creator or creator-producer team.
Eligible projects should be produced or co-produced by a country within the following regions: Southeast Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and select neighboring countries. Projects that link these regions through narrative or collaborative elements are also encouraged to apply.
Workshop Overview
Selected participants will engage in an online preparation workshop in January 2025 (exact date to be confirmed), followed by the main AGORA XR Lab in Thessaloniki in March 2025. During the lab, participants will benefit from project enhancement activities, industry meetings, and networking opportunities designed to help bring their innovative projects to life.
The lab seeks to highlight projects that showcase originality, international audience appeal, and a strong potential for realization. A maximum of five (5) projects will be selected for this inaugural edition.
Key Dates:
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete the online application form and submit a single PDF file containing essential project materials by November 29, 2024. Applications must be submitted in English. Detailed application guidelines and the submission form are available on here
About Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival
The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival is one of the leading documentary festivals in Europe, known for showcasing powerful, thought-provoking films that challenge audiences and spark dialogue. The AGORA XR Lab is the latest addition to the festival's AGORA program, which supports the development and distribution of high-quality audiovisual projects originating from the wider region.
For more information about the AGORA XR Lab and submission guidelines, please visit the TIDF website or contact the AGORA XR Lab team at [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.].
