On an island in the Cyclades...

...two friends who love music and cinema...

...they thought of bringing together acquaintances and strangers...

Prev
Next

On an island in the Cyclades...

...two friends who love music and cinema...

...they thought of bringing together acquaintances and strangers...

...and thus the coziest festival of Sifnos was born!

Prev
Next
Bring Your Chair Festival / Serifos / Sifnos /

Concept

Bring Your Chair - Cozy Festival is a cultural festival that blends music, cinema, and discourse, creating a vibrant space for gathering, dialogue, and entertainment for both locals and visitors of Sifnos and Serifos. Inspired by the 1960s, when traveling filmmakers projected films in village squares and audiences brought their own stools ("bring your chair"), the festival revives the spirit of spontaneity and collectivity.

It began in 2021 as a private initiative by two friends, Faye Kazantzidou and Paola Valeria Jovinelli, who shared a common vision of cultural outreach. Over four years, it hosted more than 20 events and welcomed over 4,000 visitors. In 2024, it evolved into a non-profit organization, further expanding its scope of activities.

The festival’s core programming includes open-air film screenings with guest directors, followed by audience Q&A sessions, jazz concerts featuring Greek and international musicians, and thematic discussions with authors and academics. All events have free entrance, highlighting the festival’s belief that culture should be shared, inclusive, and open to everyone.

Through the Bring Your Chair Ambassadors hospitality initiative, the festival has built bridges between artists, visitors, and the local community. Creators are hosted by island residents, experience the local cuisine, exchange stories, and discover the unique rhythm and character of the place.

The festival has developed a strong network of partnerships with institutions such as the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, the Sguardi Altrove Film Festival, the Municipality of Sifnos, the Cultural Association of Sifnos, among others.

Since 2022, it has participated in the August Full Moon events organized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, under the coordination of the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage.

Press / Excerpts / Publicity /
Sponsors