Note: In 2026, the 9th Nafplio Bridges International Film Festival is scheduled to hold online screenings in addition to the live screenings and events.

Nafplio International Film Festival - Bridges runs under the umbrella of Cultural International Festivals and Bridges International Film Festival of Peloponnese since 2015.
We screen the latest and most interesting film productions in comedy, world cinema, philhellene and historic films.

Philhellene Spotlight category : This special category honors films created by international filmmakers who are inspired by the spirit, beauty, and cultural legacy of Greece. The "Philhellene" title, rooted in the historical admiration for Greek ideals, is awarded to films that reflect a deep affection for Greece — through storytelling, location, characters, or thematic elements. Whether fiction or documentary, short or feature, these works embody the timeless connection between Greece and those who love it.

The Best Philhellene Film Award is a tribute to cinematic voices that celebrate Hellenism, foster intercultural dialogue, and contribute to Greece’s image in the world.

We highlight also the Best Greek Short and Best Greek Feature films.

A conference about inspiring cinema topics and a live music contest for the best score of the participating films are held during the three day festival event as well.

Live screenings will be only for the films which will be represented by the director or the producer. All other films will be seen by the judges. There is possibility of VOD with the director's written consent.

Nafplio International Film Festival-Bridges takes place, with live screenings in Trianon Theatre and the Art Center Fougaro in the picturesque Nafplio in Peloponnese. The Pegasus Awards ceremony is held at Vouleftikon or Trianon theatre in Nafplio.

Awards & Prizes

-Awards:
Best Philhellene Film Award (Short and/or Feature)
Best Historical Short/Feature film
Best Fantasy Short/Feature film
Best Philosophical Short/Feature Film
Best Mythological Short/Feature Film
Best Inspiring Movie about Activism
Best VR film
Best World Cinema award
Best Comedy Short film
Best Comedy Feature film
Best Art Short film
Best Art Feature film
Best Greek Short film
Best Greek Feature film
Best International Short Film
Best International Feature Film
Best Director
Best Cinematographer
Best Original Score
Best Leading Actor
Best Leading Actress
Best Student Film
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Production Design
Best Costumes/Sets
Best Mobile Film
Best Script
Best Live Score Performance
Best SMARD (Smart Art Advertisement): Up to 6 minutes in duration, with no restriction on the year of production. (Advertisements with a philosophical and/or comedic character)
INSPIRE-TV awards - jury awarded films are eligible to be included and promoted for free in the distribution platform for independent filmmakers inspire-tv.com -Non exclusive distribution at Inspire-TV.com with free views or VOD (VOD net proceeds are split 50% to the filmmaker/producer and 50% to the platform). Geoblocking is available,

Rules & Terms

Note1: 🏛️ Establishment of the KAPODISTRIAS Awards - 8th Nafplio Bridges International Film Festival

In the 8th edition (2025) of the Nafplio Bridges International Film Festival, we proudly established the KAPODISTRIAS Film Awards, in honor of Ioannis Kapodistrias — the first Governor of independent Greece and a visionary statesman whose legacy continues to inspire.

These awards recognize films and filmmakers whose work reflects values Kapodistrias stood for: public service, diplomacy, unity, education, and a deep commitment to cultural identity and human dignity.

By launching the KAPODISTRIAS Film Awards in the historic city of Nafplio — the first capital of modern Greece — we aim to bridge cinema and history, encouraging artistic expressions that elevate the spirit of freedom, responsibility, and ethical leadership.

Note 2: The 9th Nafplio Bridges International Film Festival is scheduled to hold online screenings in addition to the live screenings and events.

Note 3: Categories:
-We focus mostly on historical/philosophical/fantasy/disability/activism/Philhellene films.
-Short and Feature Films produced the last 36 months are eligible to participate.
-Short films up to 20 minutes.
-Feature films up to 120 minutes.
-SMARD (Smart Art Advertisement): Up to 6 minutes in duration, with no restriction on the year of production. (Advertisements with a philosophical and/or comedic character)
-All genres are accepted.

Note 4:
-Greek subtitles are obligatory to be embedded on the final screener, by the film sender.
-Screenings are made with hard disc, Mp4 with files less than 4GB.
-Live screenings are scheduled only upon the confirmation of the attendance -at least one month earlier-, by the film representative.

Note 5: -Special hotel discounted rates are obtained for the festival participants.

Note 6: Additionally, directors who have previously participated with a film selection in the partner festivals:
a. Cyprus International Film Festival in Nicosia, Cyprus,
b. Bridges International Film Festival in Corinth,
c. Bridges International Film Festival in Loutraki,
d. Cine@Art Short Film Festival
are eligible to ausbmit their film in the relative categories at Bridges Nafplio International Film Festival.
This collaboration between the five festivals establishes a unique connection. The 'Bridges' International Film Festival conducts film screenings throughout the Peloponnese, across Greece, and worldwide.

21 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mary Gogoli

    Bridges International Film Festival in Nafplio was a wonderful experience this December. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our short film "Deeper" for the very first time outside Athens. Festivals that promote decentralization are essential for keeping film culture vibrant and accessible, and Bridges does exactly that. We look forward to seeing it continue to grow!

    February 2026
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  • Dimitris Panakis

    A worthwhile festival with quality films, side events and a warm atmosphere. Being part of such a festival is a real experience! (Dimitris Panakis / Director of the short film WOMAN ON THE BEACH)

    December 2025
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  • Charalampos Kontopanagos

    Well organized festival, very hospitable and in a great venue. Being there with our film "A day through my eyes" was a real pleasure. The closing ceremony was an event to remember. Nafplio is a great city to visit and the festival is the best reason to do so.

    December 2025
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  • Piro Gjylameti

    A very hospitable festival, providing filmmakers from Greece and abroad the chance to showcase their works, showcasing movies across all the different genres. And all this, in the beautiful and picturesque city of Nafplio.

    January 2025
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  • Giannakopoulos Efstathios

    We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Nafplio Festival for the warm hospitality and the Honorable Mention awarded to our Dance Film. Spending two wonderful days in such a beautiful city and being part of this exceptional event was truly an unforgettable experience.

    The festival’s organization was flawless, and the atmosphere was both inspiring and welcoming. Congratulations to the entire team for creating such a memorable event, and thank you for making us feel so at home!

    January 2025
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