Athens, Greece – November 26, 2025 — Athens is set to transform the city’s cinematic landscape this December, as Plaka welcomes a new era of outdoor film experiences that combine digital innovation with beloved local traditions. Beginning on 1 December, the historic neighbourhood will host a series of interactive film nights, inviting audiences to participate in real-time voting and shape the evening’s entertainment under the Athenian sky.
The initiative, coordinated by a partnership between local cultural organisations and technology firms, aims to revitalise winter entertainment in the city centre. While open-air cinemas have long been a summer staple in Athens, the new programme extends the season into the colder months, offering residents and visitors a fresh way to engage with film and community.
Cine Paris, Plaka’s iconic rooftop cinema, will serve as the main venue for the pilot series. Known for its panoramic views of the illuminated Acropolis and its nostalgic atmosphere, Cine Paris has been a favourite among Athenians for decades. This winter, the cinema’s neoclassical rooftop will be equipped with interactive screens and digital voting stations, allowing audiences to select film genres, influence story outcomes, and participate in live polls throughout each screening.
“We wanted to create something that brings people together, not just to watch films, but to be part of the storytelling,” said Maria Kallergi, programme director for the event. “Athens has always been a city of dialogue and debate. Now, we’re inviting that spirit into our cinemas.”
The opening night will feature a curated selection of international and Greek films, with viewers able to vote on which titles will be shown in subsequent weeks. Each evening will include interactive segments, such as choosing alternate endings or selecting bonus scenes, facilitated by a custom-built digital platform developed by local start-up Helikon Labs.
Organisers emphasise that the technology is designed to enhance, rather than replace, the communal atmosphere that defines Athens’ open-air cinemas. “Our goal is to preserve the magic of watching a film beneath the stars, while adding a layer of participation that’s both fun and meaningful,” explained Helikon Labs founder, Nikos Papadopoulos. “We’re using technology to strengthen the sense of community, not to distract from it.”
The project has received enthusiastic support from the Municipality of Athens and local businesses, many of which are contributing to the event’s programming and hospitality. Nearby cafés and tavernas will offer themed menus and discounts for cinema-goers, encouraging visitors to explore Plaka’s winding streets before and after the screenings.
For many Athenians, the return of outdoor cinema in winter is a welcome development. “It’s a wonderful way to keep the city vibrant during the quieter months,” said Eleni Markou, a Plaka resident and regular Cine Paris attendee. “We’re used to gathering for films in the summer, but now we have something to look forward to all year round.”
The interactive film nights also aim to attract younger audiences, who are increasingly interested in participatory entertainment. Special evenings will be dedicated to family-friendly films and animated features, with children invited to vote on their favourite characters and storylines. Educational workshops on film-making and digital storytelling are planned for January, in collaboration with local schools and youth organisations.
Safety and accessibility remain central to the initiative. The organisers have invested in weatherproof equipment and heated seating areas, ensuring comfort for guests even on chilly evenings. All films will be screened with Greek and English subtitles, making the experience accessible to international visitors and the city’s diverse population.
Looking ahead, the team behind the project hopes to expand the interactive cinema concept to other neighbourhoods and venues across Athens. Discussions are already underway with operators of open-air cinemas in Thisseio, Syntagma, and Kifisia, with the possibility of a city-wide festival in 2026.
“This is just the beginning,” said Kallergi. “Athens has a rich history of embracing new ideas while honouring its traditions. By bringing technology and community together, we’re creating something truly unique for our city.”
Tickets for the December screenings are available online and at the Cine Paris box office. Organisers encourage early booking, as interest in the inaugural series has been high. With the promise of interactive storytelling, community engagement, and the timeless charm of Plaka, Athens’ new outdoor cinema nights are poised to become a highlight of the city’s winter calendar.
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Image Credit: Photo by jeffreyzhang_920 on Unsplash
