The Birthday Party is a sophisticated family drama movie and psychological film directed by Miguel Ángel Jiménez and adapted from Panos Karnezis’ 2007 novel. The film stars Willem Dafoe, Vic Carmen Sonne, Joe Cole, Emma Suárez, and Carlos Cuevas.
Set in the late 1970s, the story follows a wealthy Greek shipping family during an extravagant birthday celebration on a private Mediterranean island. Here’s everything you need to know about the filming locations and behind-the-scenes details of this upcoming movie.
The story centers on Sofia Timoleon, the daughter of powerful Greek shipping tycoon Markos Timoleon. During Sofia’s lavish 25th birthday celebration on a private island, hidden tensions, family secrets, and emotional conflicts slowly rise to the surface, turning the glamorous gathering into a tense psychological drama.
The Birthday Party is expected to premiere in 2026 after its festival debut. The film is expected to release through international festival distribution following its Locarno Film Festival premiere.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was The Birthday Party Filmed?
| Film Name | The Birthday Party |
|---|---|
| Genres | Drama, Psychological Drama |
| Filming Locations | Corfu, Athens, Greece |
| Filming Dates | Mid-2024 to Late 2024 |
| Cinematography by | Benoît Chamaillard |
| Release Date | 2026 |
The Birthday Party was filmed entirely in Greece. The production mainly took place on the beautiful island of Corfu, while additional interior and logistical scenes were shot in Athens. Filming began in mid-2024 and continued through late 2024 to capture the warm Mediterranean summer atmosphere needed for the story’s late-1970s setting.
📍Corfu
Corfu served as the main filming location for The Birthday Party. The island’s lush greenery, dramatic coastline, and elegant Venetian-style buildings created the perfect setting for the luxurious Timoleon family estate. Director Miguel Ángel Jiménez selected Corfu because of its “jungle-like” landscapes, which beautifully contrasted the emotional tension and dark family drama shown in the movie. Many of the film’s outdoor scenes, party moments, and estate sequences were filmed across the island.
📍Canal d’Amour
Several coastal scenes were filmed at Canal d’Amour in Sidari. This famous location is known for its narrow sea channels, sandstone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. The dramatic natural scenery added visual beauty and emotional depth to the movie. The filmmakers used this area to create moments that felt both romantic and mysterious, matching the film’s tense atmosphere.
📍Antico Rosso Estate
The historic Antico Rosso Estate in Afra became one of the film’s most important locations. This 17th-century estate sits inside a massive olive grove near Corfu Town. Its grand architecture, private grounds, and luxurious interiors perfectly represented the isolated wealth of the Timoleon family. Many villa scenes and family gathering moments were filmed here. The estate helped create the feeling of a beautiful but emotionally trapped world inside the family’s private island setting.
📍Athens
Athens was used for interior scenes and sequences connected to Markos Timoleon’s business empire. The city provided controlled filming spaces that matched the film’s late-1970s period setting. Athens also helped the production recreate the powerful Mediterranean shipping world connected to the family’s wealth and influence.
Is There Any Trailer Available for The Birthday Party?
Yes, the official trailer for The Birthday Party has been released online. The trailer gives viewers a first look at the luxurious island setting, tense family drama, and stunning Greek filming locations.
The Birthday Party is set to be released on Release date June 5, 2026 in the United States, via Quiver Distribution.
FAQs
Q1: Where was The Birthday Party filmed?
A1: The Birthday Party was mainly filmed in Corfu and Athens. These locations helped create the movie’s luxurious Mediterranean setting.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at Antico Rosso Estate in The Birthday Party?
A2: Many important villa scenes and family gathering moments in The Birthday Party were filmed at Antico Rosso Estate because of its grand historic architecture and private atmosphere.
Q3: When did filming for The Birthday Party begin?
A3: Filming for The Birthday Party began in mid-2024 and continued through late 2024.
Q4: Can visitors explore the filming locations from The Birthday Party?
A4: Yes, several filming locations from The Birthday Party, including Canal d’Amour and parts of Corfu, can be visited by tourists.
Q5: Who stars in The Birthday Party?
A5: The Birthday Party stars Willem Dafoe as Markos Timoleon and Vic Carmen Sonne as Sofia, along with Joe Cole, Emma Suárez, and Carlos Cuevas.
This detailed guide covers the major filming locations and behind-the-scenes details of The Birthday Party. From the lush landscapes of Corfu to the historic luxury of Antico Rosso Estate and the urban setting of Athens, Greece played a huge role in bringing this psychological family drama to life. Fans of Mediterranean cinema and luxury drama films will likely enjoy exploring the beautiful locations featured throughout the movie.
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