In a rather special edition of weekly cinema picks, the spotlight shines on documentaries and historical films brought to the capital (some for the first time) through the Athens International Film Festival.
All of the below films are also nominees for this year’s International Documentary Competition, most already highly decorated by previous film festivals of this year. The majority of the films focus on Middle Eastern conflict zones, with a few oddballs and historical pieces in the mix!
Documentary films are often avoided by the average cinema-goer, but hopefully this lineup brings some to make an exception. Beyond the cultural significance of the genre, it can also be incredible food for thought.
In an era of fast-paced, bite-sized information it’s good to take a moment to see a bigger piece of the historical pie.
Rehearsals for a Revolution, dir. Pegah Ahangarani
This Best Documentary winner at Cannes Festival witnesses the Iran-Iraq war through one woman’s life.
Home videos, testimonies and personal accounts by loved ones that all culminate into one message of love for the country Ahangarani calls home.
- Language: Farsi — ENG SUBTITLES
- Location: Astor Cinema
Screening Dates: 05/10
NAZA, dir. Yuval Abraham & Rachel Szor
If you have not yet heard of this film, NAZA has made waves on social media ever since its premiere in September 2026 during the Venice International Film Festival.
The documentarians interviewed 24 anonymous Israeli soldiers who detail how AI spyware is used to estimate the number of civilians that will become “collateral damage” from any given strike. Chillingly, one soldier in the trailer recounts the highest number of civilians that he was authorized to execute were 500 “for one human target”.
- Language: Hebrew & English— GR AND ENG SUBTITLES
- Location: DANAOS Cinema
Screening Dates: 01/10
Do You Love Me, dir. Lana Daher
A journey through Beirut’s tumultuous history through a cinematic “collage” spanning across thousands of lost archives.
From carefree dancing, to war-torn visions, to deeply personal moments captured on film. Through the eyes of Lebanese citizens and artists, their preserved memories become an ode to their country.
- Language: Lebanese —ENG SUBTITLES
- Location: Onassis Stegi – screening will include a Q&A with the director
Screening Dates: 02/10
Phenomena, dir. Josef Gatti
“I found a way to look into the universe.”
A visual trip akin to the one I imagine taking hallucinogenics would yield. Underscored by music that feels otherworldly, director Josef Gatti invites us to rediscover the world with him.
• Language: English — GR SUBTITLES
• Location: Cinobo Opera
Screening Dates: 05/10 + 10/10
The History of Concrete, dir. John Wilson
Hear me out.
This documentary is one of my favorites of the bunch. The trailer alone has me curious to pick up a popcorn bucket and head to the biggest screen near me. Witty, unexpected, and inspired by the everyday structures we literally could not live without in the big city.
- Language: English
- Location: Cinobo Opera
Screening Dates: 01/10 + 06/10
Once Upon A Time in Harlem, dir. David Greaves & William Greaves
A house party so legendary, I don’t even know where to begin describing it to you.
The late William Greaves shot a 16mm roll of the living luminaries discussing, arguing and drinking during the Harlem Renaissance. The film was restored and edited together by his son David, bringing us this film to showcase the role artists play in keeping culture alive.
- Language: English — GR SUBTITLES
- Location: Cinobo Opera
Screening Dates: 04/10 + 08/10
Tin Castle, dir. Alexander Murphy
An Irish family of 12 is seen struggling to make ends meet, detached from the modern world.
Director Alexander Murphy spent 5 years capturing the lives of the O’Reilly family, that despite all odds and difficulties stay hopeful and determined. Through dreams, laughter and nomadic adventures.
- Language: English
- Location: Astor Cinema
Screening Dates: 03/10 + 09/10
Write to Nansy Samaka at nsamaka@tovima.com
