world to be the first to discover feature films from the Mediterranean and Balkan countries, in the stage just before completion. Agora Talks New directors and producers get the opportunity to learn from renowned film professionals. A day full of discussions where people who wish to establish themselves in the industry can exchange ideas, methods, and approaches about the development of the audiovisual sector. Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy International Thessaloniki International Film Festival in collaboration with Locarno Film Festival launched in 2016 the Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy International in Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean. The Thessaloniki Locarno Industry Academy International is a training program created to help young professionals of the cinema industry –sales agents, distributors, and new media professionals– to extend their experience and networking in the fields of international sales, marketing, distribution and programming. Meet the Future A new initiative of the Thessaloniki IFF and the Agora that focuses on the younger generation of Greek filmmakers. Awards The films of the International Competition program are eligible for the Best Full-length Feature Film Award “Theo Angelopoulos” (Golden Alexander, 15.000 euros cash prize), the Special Jury Award (Silver Alexander, 8.000 euros cash prize), the Special Jury Award for Best Director (Bronze Alexander), the Best Actor and Actress Awards, and the Best Artistic Achievement or Screenplay Award. The awards are selected by a five-member international jury. The Best Full-length Feature Film Award (Golden Alexander, 3.000 euros cash prize) is bestowed on a film competing at the “Meet the Neighbors” competition section, awarded by a three-member international jury. The Best VR Film award (accompanied by a 3.000 euros cash prize) is awarded to the best film in the VR Competition Section. Independent juries hand parallel awards, including the “Mermaid Award” for the best LGBTQI-themed film, the Youth Jury Awards, the “Human Values Award” granted by the Hellenic Parliament, the awards of the Greek Film Center, the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation Award, the “J.F. Costopoulos Foundation Award” for a Greek film holding its premiere at the festival, and the “WIFT GR Award” for the best woman’s contribution and presence in front or behind the camera. Further awards are handed by the International Film Critics’ Association (FIPRESCI) and the Greek Association of Film Critics. Audience Awards are presented to films participating both in the international and the Greek program of the festival. Award-winning films I. Thessaloniki Greek Film Festival (1960-1991) 1960: - 1961: - 1962: