Thessaloniki: Adaptation Of Ioanna Karystiani’s ‘Swell’ Among 2026 Agora Works In Progress Titles
Eleven films from Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean have been selected for the 2026 Agora Works in Progress sessions at the Thessaloniki Film Festival. The programme gives post-production projects a chance to meet industry professionals who may help secure funding, distribution, festival premieres and other partnerships.
One of the selected titles is *Swell*, Alexandros Voulgaris’s film based on Ioanna Karystiani’s award-winning book; it will be shown as a sneak preview. The sessions run from 8 to 12 November, with a jury of producer Maria Drandaki, sales executive Wouter Jansen and programmer Gabriela Trujillo. Past participants have gone on to screen at events including Cannes, Karlovy Vary and SXSW London.
- Eleven regional films join Thessaloniki’s 2026 works in progress programme.
- *Swell*, based on Ioanna Karystiani’s book, will screen as a preview.
- The sessions run from 8 to 12 November.
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The Thessaloniki Film Festival is an annual film event in Greece. Its Agora programme connects filmmakers with people in the film industry, including producers, distributors and festival programmers.
Works in Progress sessions showcase films that are still being completed. Industry professionals can consider whether to help with funding, distribution or festival screenings, while filmmakers can build contacts for the next stage of a project.
Swell is a film by Alexandros Voulgaris adapted from a book by Greek author Ioanna Karystiani. Its selection links the festival’s industry programme with a story already recognised in literature, and illustrates how books can become films.