With provocative films, audacious premieres, two major tributes plus cult classics from the ‘80s, the Athens International Film Festival which runs until October 14 promises an immersive experience for cinephiles. Athens Insider rounds up the must-watch films at the festival. Expect a feast of cinematic gems including Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door featuring an all-star cast with Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton and Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis; a moving tribute honouring the unparalleled legacy of Japanese film maker Akira Kurosawa and another devoted to celebrating iconic British films from the ’80s.

One film that’s already making waves is The Substance, a British-French co-production by Coralie Fargeat, starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. A deliciously dark exploration of society’s obsession with youth and beauty—definitely one for the radar.

Book your tickets early for Anora, the latest work from Sean Baker, which snagged the Palme d’Or at Cannes. for this one.

For something heavier, No Other Land is a powerful documentary from a collaborative Israeli-Palestinian team, bringing raw emotion to the screen. An insightful look into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a unique, collaborative perspective, this is perhaps the most necessary film for the times we’re living in.

Religion also takes the spotlight with Conclave, directed by Edward Berger and starring Ralph Fiennes and John Lithgow. With such a strong cast, it promises to be a thoughtful dive into the intrigue of the Vatican. For something more subversive, look no further than Bruce LaBruce’s The Visitor, a provocative exploration of sensual anarchy—film festivals were made for movies like this.

Another must-see is Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, starring Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce, which reexamines the immigrant pursuit of the American Dream through the eyes of a Holocaust survivor. Meanwhile, Levan Akin’s Crossing tackles the modern-day borders of both countries and generations, with a story of a woman searching for her transgender niece. It’s a touching ode to acceptance, love, and compassion.

David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds, starring Vincent Cassel and Diane Kruger, continues his obsession with the intersection of technology and the human body. Prepare to be unnerved, in the best way possible.

Don’t miss I’m Still Here, a stirring Brazilian drama from Walter Salles, or the highly anticipated Megalopolis from Francis Ford Coppola. With its grandiose ambition and star-studded cast, the film reportedly cost Coppola a whopping 120 million USD (Coppola sold a portion of his winery in California to fund the film).

For animation lovers, Flow is a quirky, delightful must-see, already buzzing with Oscar talk. And for the holiday season, Small Things Like These, starring Cillian Murphy, offers a refreshing twist on the Christmas film genre.

Another highlight of this year’s festival are late night screenings at the Museum of Cycladic Art featuring The Naked Kiss and Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, personally selected by Cindy Sherman, whose own work is currently on display at the museum.