The AGORA of the 65th Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF) is excited to unveil the selected participants for its two specialised workshops aimed at emerging professionals in the film industry: the Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy and the AGORA Short Film Lab. These programs, which are part of AGORA’s ongoing mission to support young filmmakers and film professionals, offer unique training and networking opportunities designed to foster career development on an international scale.
Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy (November 2-7, 2024)
This year, the Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy welcomes nine outstanding young professionals from the cinema industry, including sales agents, distributors, and new media professionals. In partnership with the Locarno Film Festival and Locarno Pro, the Academy brings this prestigious training program to Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean region for the ninth consecutive year.
The Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy is a five-day tailor-made program offering participants the chance to deepen their expertise in international sales, marketing, distribution, and programming. The 2024 cohort, selected for their promising careers and potential, will participate in discussions, case studies, and collaborative work sessions led by top industry professionals.
This year’s selected participants include:
The Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy is part of a global network, connecting participants to academies in Latin America, New York, Beirut, South Africa, South Asia, and Switzerland, reinforcing its dedication to international film industry collaboration. Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy’s regional manager is Konstantinos Aivaliotis | Assistant Professor (University of Aegean), Producer & Festival Director (Ethnofest)
Selected participants of the Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy will automatically join Launchpad, a new initiative in collaboration with four prominent European film festivals: Locarno Film Festival, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, Rotterdam International Film Festival, and Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Launchpad is designed to support the integration of emerging film professionals into the global film industry. It offers participants, who specialise in international sales, marketing, distribution (both traditional and online), exhibition, programming, as well as film funds and commissions, streamlined access to a valuable network of leading film festivals throughout the year.
AGORA Short Film Lab
The AGORA Short Film Lab, co-organised with the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and the Drama International Short Film Festival, has also announced its 2024 cohort of emerging filmmakers. This three-day workshop includes discussions with experienced industry professionals, focusing on guiding short film directors as they transition into feature filmmaking.
This year’s participants represent a diverse array of talented directors whose award-winning short films have garnered acclaim at Clermont-Ferrand and Drama.
This year’s selected participants include:
These participants will gain invaluable insights from industry professionals and will benefit from opportunities to expand their international networks, helping to shape the future of their careers as they make the leap from short to feature filmmaking. AGORA Short Film Lab’s project manager is Christina Liapi | assistant producer and servicing manager at Heretic.
AGORA accredited guests can access the participants' films at the AGORA Film Market Video Library.
About AGORA
AGORA is the Thessaloniki International Film Festival’s industry section, committed to nurturing the growth and development of the next generation of film professionals. Through its wide range of forums, workshops, labs, and networking events, AGORA bridges the gap between emerging filmmakers and the global film industry, supporting co-financing opportunities and creating bridges for new synergies.
For more information about the Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy, AGORA Short Film Lab, and other AGORA events, please visit https://www.filmfestival.gr/en/professionals/tiff-agora or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
