The Olympia Effect 2026

Are you an audiovisual professional with a passion for creating compelling stories for children and young people?

Are you a director, screenwriter, producer or content creator looking to advance your career in children’s and youth audiovisual storytelling?

Do you have an original idea that can inspire, entertain and spark the imagination of young audiences?

If so, we invite you to join THE OLYMPIA EFFECT.

A creative initiative for audiovisual professionals who want to contribute to the development of high-quality content for children and young people.

The workshop consists of two phases.

1. Script Development Workshop

The Script Development Workshop is designed to empower both emerging and established creators working in film and audiovisual production for children and young audiences by providing a supportive environment in which creative ideas can evolve into fully developed screenplays.

Through a combination of thematic workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, opportunities for discussion, and project presentations, participants will have the opportunity to:

• develop their initial ideas into well-structured narratives;
• strengthen their screenwriting skills;
• gain a deeper understanding of the specificities of creating content for children and young audiences. 

The workshop aims to provide an in-depth exploration of storytelling tools and methodologies through the unique perspective and authentic point of view (POV) of the child, while strengthening each participant’s individual creative voice in response to the contemporary needs of children’s and youth cinema.

2. Pitching Lab

During the second phase, participants will travel to Pyrgos to take part in the 29th Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People.

This phase focuses on preparing participants to confidently pitch their projects to both industry professionals and young audiences. Participants will receive practical guidance and professional tools to craft a compelling, dynamic and creatively focused presentation of their projects.

During their stay in Pyrgos they will also have the opportunity to:

• attend screenings from the Festival’s competition programmes;
• network with film professionals from Greece and abroad; 
• enrich their creative experience within an active international environment.

The final project presentations will take place in a public event, giving participants the opportunity to present their work before both adult and young audiences, as well as industry professionals.

What we are looking for

We are looking for imaginative and original stories aimed at children and young people aged 5–18. There are no restrictions regarding genre or format. The workshop welcomes proposals for fiction, documentary and animation projects, including short films, feature films and television series.

We encourage creators to submit ideas that entertain, inspire, and respect the intelligence and emotional sensitivity of children and young people. We are particularly interested in projects that avoid didacticism and acknowledge the emotional and intellectual maturity of today’s young audiences.

Why participate?

• Receive valuable feedback and professional guidance from experienced audiovisual professionals.
• Develop your screenwriting skills through practical workshops, mentoring and targeted exercises.
• Meet and connect with fellow creators who share your passion for storytelling for children and young audiences.
• Create opportunities to introduce your project to producers, decision-makers and industry professionals.
• Gain the unique experience of presenting your idea to children and hearing their authentic responses.
• Showcase your creativity and passion for meaningful storytelling.
• Become part of the international professional ecosystem of children’s cinema through the renowned network of the Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People.

How to apply

To apply, please prepare the following materials.

Feature Fiction

1. Logline
2. Synopsis
3. Screenplay treatment (5–10 pages, minimum 2,000 words)

Short Fiction

1. Logline
2. Synopsis
3. First draft of the screenplay

Feature Documentary

1. Logline
2. Synopsis
3. Documentary treatment (minimum 1,000 words)

Feature Animation

1. Logline
2. Synopsis
3. Screenplay treatment (5–10 pages, minimum 2,000 words)
4. Visual material (e.g. mood board)

Short Animation

1. Logline
2. Synopsis
3. First draft of the screenplay
4. Visual material (e.g. mood board)

Television Series

1. Logline
2. Synopsis
3. Treatment or pilot script

In all cases, applicants must also submit:

1. Screenwriter’s CV
2. Statement of intent regarding the development of the screenplay
3. Cover letter explaining their motivation for participating in the Olympia Effect

About the Workshop

THE OLYMPIA EFFECT is organised by the Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People, in collaboration with the Thessaloniki International Film Festival Agora, with the support of Creative Europe MEDIA, the Creative Europe MEDIA Desk Greece, EKKOMED and ERT.

The workshop has been designed and will be led by: Lina Giannopoulou (Producer, Member of the Olympia Festival Organising Committee) Agathi Darlasi (Storytelling Consultant, Director, Screenwriter) Dionysia Kopana (Film Director)

Contact

Olympia Int’l Film Festival for Children and Young People 

18A Rodou Street Athens 11252, Greece Tel: +30 210 866470 

email: olympiaeffect@olympiafestival.gr 

Terms & Conditions 

1. The Olympia Effect 2026 will take place in two phases. The Script Development Workshop will be held in Athens on the weekends of 10–11 October, 17–18 October, 7–8 November and 14–15 November 2026. The Pitching Lab will take place in Pyrgos, Ilia, from 28 November to 2 December 2026, during the 29th Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People.
2. Attendance in person is mandatory for both phases.
3. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. 
4. Each project may only be submitted once. Projects rejected in previous editions, as well as revised versions submitted after the application deadline, will not be accepted. 
5. Eligible projects include short films, feature films and television series in any genre, including fiction, animation and documentary. 
6. For original screenplays, applicants must hold all necessary rights. Where rights are shared by more than one creator, all rights holders must co-sign the application. 
7. For adaptations, applicants must provide proof that adaptation rights have been secured. 
8. Applicants are required to complete all mandatory fields of the online application form in accordance with the instructions provided. 
9. Application deadline 4 September 2026. 
10. The Festival will select the projects that best meet the criteria set out in these Terms & Conditions. Selected participants will be announced on 18 September 2026 via olympiafestival.gr.
11. During the Festival, participants will present their projects in the Pitching Lab. The final pitching session will be conducted in English, before international juries and an audience of industry professionals from around the world. The selected projects and award winners will be announced during the Greek Children’s Film Day, on 2 December 2026.
12. Two projects will receive cash awards offered by institutional partners, together with additional benefits provided by private-sector organisations to support their production. 
13. Participation in the workshop is free of charge. Participants will also receive free access to Festival screenings and other Festival activities.
14. The Festival will provide transport between Athens and Pyrgos for the second phase of the workshop by chartered coach. Individual travel costs, including tickets and fuel, will not be reimbursed. 
15. The Festival will cover accommodation in twin rooms in Pyrgos and one meal per day for one representative of each selected project, regardless of the number of co-applicants. 
16. Participation in the competition constitutes permission for the Festival to use the names of participants, together with photographic and audiovisual material, for publicity and promotional purposes.