Thessaloniki Documentary Festival Unveils International Competition

Variety

by Leo Barraclough

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Thessaloniki Intl. Documentary Festival has revealed its lineup for the International Competition section, featuring 14 films set to compete for prestigious awards, including the Golden Alexander (€12,000) and Silver Alexander (€5,000). The festival, running from March 5-15, is an Oscars-qualifying event, with the winner of the Golden Alexander automatically eligible for Academy Awards consideration in the Documentary Feature category. This year’s selections highlight diverse storytelling across global themes, including personal struggles, cultural movements, and societal challenges. One notable film is *“Bugboy”* (World premiere), directed by Lucas Paleocrassas, which follows George, a shy teenager navigating his parents’ divorce and finding solace in his bond with a cricket named Isabella. The film explores themes of transformation and self-discovery through the lens of insect behavior. Another standout is *“The Golden Grip”* (World premiere), helmed by Fokion Bogris, which delves into the life of Kostas, a Greek actor who achieved fame in minor roles across decades of cinema. The film pays homage to the unsung heroes of Greek cinema while reflecting on its evolution. Eirini Vourloumis’s *“The Way Elsewhere”* (World premiere) offers a unique portrait of Athens through the lives of three veteran taxi drivers, each navigating their own aspirations and challenges. Konstantinos approaches retirement with a pre-shift ritual under the Acropolis, while Sunny, a Nigerian actor turned family man, seeks artistic renewal, and Yorgos channels his passion for performance in small clubs. The film weaves together personal stories, city life, and cultural resilience. Sinéad O’Shea’s *“All About the Money”* (European premiere) examines capitalism through the story of Fergie Chambers, a politically insurgent descendant of an American plutocratic family who fights against

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Variety on 2/19/2026