Ierapetra’s August Festival: A Cultural Celebration of Film, Music and Gastronomy

Photo source: Festival of Ierapetra

Ierapetra, located on Crete, will host a major cultural event this August, featuring a series of festivals focused on culture, film, music, and gastronomy. The festivals, running under the name “Ierapetra Festival” and held under the auspices of the island’s regional authority, will run from August 3 to 25 and includes:

– 11th International Documentary Festival of Ierapetra & Awards
– 5th International Film Festival of Crete & Awards
– 11th Film Academy of Crete
– 5th Gastronomy Festival of Eastern Crete
– 5th International Music Festival
– 1st International Sea Festival

Eleni Vlassi, Artistic Director of the Festival, announced that 320 films from 62 countries will be showcased during the film festival’s competition sections. The festival will commence with an opening ceremony on August 3 at 9pm at Ierapetra’s seaside public square, which will also be livestreamed.

Photo source: Festival of Ierapetra

Notable events include the presentation of Chaniartoon – International Comic and Animation Festival and the Kythnos Festival on August 12 and 13. On August 17, there will be a tribute to Latin American and Caribbean cinema, followed by a focus on the Chinese film industry titled “China Dream” on August 18. Most films will be screened at the open-air movie theater in Tzami Square.

On August 4, the music and gastronomy events will take place at the seaside public square. Visitors will enjoy culinary presentations from local culture clubs, pastry shops, restaurants, and homemakers, as well as performances by local musicians, including students from the Musical High School of Lassithi.

In addition to film and documentary competitions, the Ierapetra Festival will feature alternative events such as opera, children’s triathlons, a beach water polo tournament for adults, a presentation on the works of celebrated Cretan author Nikos Kazantzakis, art exhibitions, and various activities for all ages.

The Ierapetra Festival is recognized by EFFE (Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe) and has received a 5-Star Gold rating from Hollywood’s Film Freeway. It has also participated in the Cannes Film Festival over the past two years.

Further information on the festival can be found here: https://festivalierapetra.gr/