The Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film has announced Greece as the Country of Honor for its 2027 edition, taking place from 11 to 19 May 2027.
The market said the focus – bannered “Ride the Greek Wave” – will celebrate Greece’s “remarkable rise as one of Europe’s leading audiovisual hubs”.
The honor adds to a high profile first part of the year for the Greek film industry with the country also hosting the European Film Awards in January 2027.
The Marché du Film noted Greece’s festival connections led by Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, who has shown five of his features in its Official Selection winning the Un Certain Regard award for Dogtooth; Jury Prize for The Lobster and best screenplay for The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
It also pointed to Greece’s rise as a filming destination thanks to competitive incentives, diverse locations, and robust production ecosystem.
Per its figures, Greece’s audiovisual sector contributes €1.9 billion to the national economy, supports approximately 44,000 jobs, and includes nearly 3,000 companies active across production, post-production, animation, and related creative services.
The country focus builds on longstanding relationships between the Marché du Film and Greeks bodies, the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival which have a presence in the Village International every year.
“With the remarkable momentum of its film and audiovisual industry today, Greece embodies the spirit of creativity, openness, and international collaboration that the Marché du Film seeks to celebrate through its Country of Honour initiative,” said Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film.
“As Mediterranean neighbors connected by centuries of cultural exchange, we are delighted to welcome Greece into the spotlight in Cannes and look forward to showcasing the extraordinary talent, stories, and opportunities emerging from this new Greek wave.”
Leonidas Christopoulos, CEO of EKKOMED – Hellenic Film & Audiovisual Center welcomed the honor.
“This distinction is both a significant recognition and a unique opportunity to showcase Greece’s vibrant creative ecosystem on the international stage. Today, Greece is a place where cinematic heritage meets contemporary talent, innovation, and international collaboration,” he said.
Further details regarding Greece’s Country of Honor initiative at the Marché du Film 2027 will be announced in the coming months.
