This September, the lush mountain villages and secluded coves of South Pilio will provide the backdrop for a new international celebration of independent cinema.

The inaugural Centaur International Film Festival of South Pilio will take place from September 13 to 20, transforming Horto, Neohori, and Aghios Georgios into lively hubs for film screenings, discussions, concerts, and other cultural events.

Organized by the Municipality of South Pilio, the festival aims to bring together emerging filmmakers, established auteurs, and audiences in one of Greece’s most storied landscapes. Set on the forested slopes of Mount Pilio – the mythical homeland of the Centaurs – the event draws inspiration from the region’s rich blend of nature, legend, and artistic tradition.

According to Greek mythology, Pilio was home to Chiron, “the wisest and justest of all the Centaurs,” who tutored heroes including Achilles, Jason, and Asclepius. Festival organizers say the name reflects the event’s ambition to combine creativity, learning, and cultural exchange in an atmosphere shaped as much by place as by cinema itself.

The eight-day program will feature international feature-length (over 60 minutes) and short-film (under 25 minutes) competitions alongside masterclasses, Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and networking events for up-and-coming filmmakers. Selected films will be screened throughout the festival, with directors and guests expected to participate in post-screening conversations. Films may be submitted in any language, although non-English entries must include subtitles.

Awards include cash prizes and the festival’s “Golden Centaur” statuette, with honors presented for Best Feature Film, Jury Award, Audience Award, and Best Short Film.

Beyond the screenings, organizers hope the festival will offer visitors a more immersive experience of South Pilio itself, with activities including hiking excursions and swimming trips woven into the program – an approach that reflects the festival’s boutique, destination-style character.

Submissions are currently open to independent short and feature-length films from around the world. The regular submission deadline is August 3, while selected films will be announced on August 16.

More information is available via the festival’s official pages on FilmFreeway and Festhome.