A cinematic journey through lost civilizations, buried histories, and cultural memory returns to Athens this month as the 13th International Archaeological and Cultural Documentary Festival AGON prepares to showcase productions from 27 countries over six days.
The Athens-based festival, running May 25–30, 2026, will invite audiences into a world of archaeology, history, and culture through a diverse selection of documentary films from around the globe.
A rich schedule of archaeological and cultural documentaries
One of Greece’s longest-running archaeological and cultural documentary festivals, it has brought together films from around the world exploring archaeology, history, culture, and contemporary social issues since its founding in 1995.
The 62 films selected from 1,285 submissions for the 2026 edition will be screened at the Greek Film Archive venue in Athens from Monday to Saturday.
“We will travel from ancient Athens and Asia Minor to the post-war and modern era; tour ancient civilizations and follow the traces of scientific research; explore traditional practices and the timeless relationship between man and nature; and discover personal and collective stories that illuminate the past and converse with the present,” the organisers said.
The Festival will culminate with the Closing Ceremony and Awards announcement on Sunday, May 31, at the Olympia – Maria Callas Municipal Music Theatre of Athens.
The closing night will also feature a concert with free admission by Lipotaktes, a music ensemble formed by the Independent Orchestra Mikis Theodorakis.
Athens Archaeological Documentary Festival’s Special and Symbolic Tributes
The statue featured on this year’s festival poster holds a special symbolic significance. Excavated at the archaeological site of Elefsina, on the outskirts of Athens, the marble sculpture originates from the lost pediment of a small building of the Eleusinian Sanctuary, dating to the first decades of the 5th century BC.
Named “Fleeing Kore,” the statue probably depicts Persephone, who, according to the myth, is running frantically to escape from the god of the Underworld, Pluto.
The sculpture was selected for the festival’s poster as a homage to all the “fleeing” abused women in every corner of the world.
AGON will also honor three important personalities of culture with special tributes. These are Giorgos Arvanitis, award-winning director of photography and an emblematic figure of Greek and international cinema; Athanasios Fokas, Professor of Nonlinear Mathematical Science; and the eminent Egyptologist and archaeologist, researcher, lecturer and author, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Ambassador for Responsible Tourism, Dr. Zahi Hawass.
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