Greece’s Animasyros Festival brought 280 animated films from 50 countries to the Cycladic island of Syros, ending on Sunday, with organizers describing the 19th edition as the event’s largest program to date.
The week combined seven competition sections with international showcases, industry meetings, educational workshops, virtual reality projects and screenings that extended beyond Syros to seven other Cycladic islands.
The 2026 edition centered on the 200th anniversary of Hermoupolis, the capital of Syros, while Ireland served as the festival’s focus country. Six major tribute strands covered Ireland, Lebanon, Armenia, emerging German animation, the Royal College of Art, and the U.S. “Freedom 250” anniversary program.
The bicentennial theme also reached beyond festival week. On June 29, ANIMASYROS and the Athens Digital Arts Festival presented projection mapping on the Apollon Theatre during Hermoupolis anniversary events. The full September program was later presented in Athens on Sept. 14.
Greece’s Animasyros Festival links screenings with industry and education
The official opening was held Sept. 23 at the Apollon Theatre in Hermoupolis, where “Decorado,” directed by Alberto Vázquez, had its Greek premiere after being selected for the feature film competition.
🎞️Το Φεστιβάλ @Animasyros Hermoupolis έχει πλέον εξελιχθεί σε έναν σημαντικό θεσμό προώθησης και προβολής του animation που συμβάλλει στην τοπική αναπτυξη και συνιστά σημείο δημιουργικής συνάντησης διαφορετικών παραδόσεων και προσεγγίσεων. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/sjb38WbvYP
— Agora_MFA_GR (@AgoraMFAGR) September 25, 2026
Beyond the screenings, the Agora program brought together more than 100 animation professionals from 20 countries, according to organizers. Its schedule included pitching sessions, producer workshops, masterclasses, roundtables and networking focused on financing, distribution, education and international collaboration.
Six projects were presented in the Agora Pitching Forum. “Milk Skin,” by Evridiki Papaiakovou of Cyprus, received the forum’s top award. “Daughters of the Automatons,” by Panagiotis Arvanitakis, received a special mention.
The opening also included the announcement of the Aegean Animation Hub, involving the University of the Aegean, ANIMASYROS, EKKOMED and ASIFA Hellas.
Festival reaches across the Cyclades and ends with seven competition winners
Education formed another major part of the program. Eight workshops were organized for children, teenagers, adults, older residents and people with disabilities. Several used archival photographs, sound, dance and stop-motion techniques to explore Hermoupolis and its bicentennial history.
Screenings and related activities also reached Andros, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini and Tinos.
The closing ceremony took place Sept. 26, one day before the final festival screenings. “Please,” directed by Anna Mantzaris, won the international competition’s grand prize. “The Dog,” by Konstantinos Demis, won best Greek film, while “Unstoppable,” directed by Martin Lund, received the feature film audience award.
Organizers published the full awards list on Sunday, closing a week that combined competition, education, regional outreach, and professional development.
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