Greek film activity in 2023 spanned fiction, feature, documentary and animation, shaping what audiences watch across Greece and beyond. The page looks at how support moves through the Greek Film Centre—from script development to film production—and how festival platforms in Athens and Thessaloniki connect the industry. You’ll also find sector capacity data, including employment (direct and indirect), the number of active and newly registered production companies, typical shooting schedules, and location permits.
Key Takeaways
- Greece’s film industry total screen time (Feature films) for 2023 was 2,518,000 minutes
- Greece’s film industry total screen time (Fiction films) for 2023 was 1,412,000 minutes
- Greece’s film industry total screen time (Animation films) for 2023 was 168,000 minutes
- The Greek Film Centre (GFC) funding for Film Development in 2023 was EUR 6,500,000
- The Greek Film Centre funding for Film Production in 2023 was EUR 15,000,000
- Greek Film Centre grants for Script Development in 2023 totaled EUR 2,200,000
- Athens International Film Festival total attendance in 2023 was 43,000
- Athens International Film Festival in 2023 screened 140 films
- Athens International Film Festival 2023 had 310 industry participants
- Number of newly registered film production companies in Greece in 2023 was 310
- Number of active film production companies in Greece in 2023 was 1,120
- Film sector employment in Greece (direct) in 2023 was 14,000 workers
- Greek film sector average shooting days for feature in 2023 was 36 days
- Greek film sector average shooting days for documentary in 2023 was 18 days
- Greece film industry permits issued in 2023 were 420 for location filming
In 2023, Greece saw strong screen time, major Greek Film Centre funding, and rising festival and production activity.
Related reading
01 · Category
Film Production30 stats
01
Greece’s film industry total screen time (Feature films) for 2023 was 2,518,000 minuteshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Film_production_statistics
02
Greece’s film industry total screen time (Fiction films) for 2023 was 1,412,000 minuteshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Film_production_statistics
03
Greece’s film industry total screen time (Animation films) for 2023 was 168,000 minuteshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Film_production_statistics
04
Greece’s film industry total screen time (Documentaries) for 2023 was 271,000 minuteshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Film_production_statistics
05
Greece’s film industry total screen time (TV films and mini-series episodes) for 2023 was 667,000 minuteshttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Film_production_statistics
06
Number of Greek films produced (Feature films) in 2023 was 64https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
07
Greece produced 12 feature films in 2022https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
08
Greece produced 9 feature films in 2021https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
09
Greece produced 8 feature films in 2020https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
10
Greece produced 10 feature films in 2019https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
11
Greece produced 7 feature films in 2018https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
12
Greece produced 7 feature films in 2017https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
13
Greece produced 8 feature films in 2016https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
14
Number of Greek films produced (Documentary films) in 2023 was 61https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
15
Greece produced 49 documentary films in 2022https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
16
Greece produced 45 documentary films in 2021https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
17
Greece produced 41 documentary films in 2020https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
18
Greece produced 46 documentary films in 2019https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
19
Greece produced 44 documentary films in 2018https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
20
Greece produced 43 documentary films in 2017https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
21
Greece produced 41 documentary films in 2016https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
22
Greece produced 60 animation films in 2023https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
23
Greece produced 58 animation films in 2022https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
24
Greece produced 53 animation films in 2021https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
25
Greece produced 49 animation films in 2020https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
26
Greece produced 52 animation films in 2019https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
27
Greece produced 50 animation films in 2018https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
28
Greece produced 48 animation films in 2017https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
29
Greece produced 46 animation films in 2016https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
30
Greek Film Centre: short film grants call in 2023 included 35 awards (count)https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
Interpretation
Film Production Interpretation
In 2023, Greek film production delivered a total of 2,518,000 minutes of feature-film screen time alongside 64 produced feature films, showing both substantial output and strong overall audience reach within the Film Production category.
02 · Category
Film Financing30 stats
01
The Greek Film Centre (GFC) funding for Film Development in 2023 was EUR 6,500,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
02
The Greek Film Centre funding for Film Production in 2023 was EUR 15,000,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
03
Greek Film Centre grants for Script Development in 2023 totaled EUR 2,200,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
04
Greek Film Centre Production grants (feature) in 2023 totaled EUR 10,000,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
05
Greek Film Centre Production grants (short) in 2023 totaled EUR 3,000,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
06
Greek Film Centre Production grants (documentary) in 2023 totaled EUR 2,000,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
07
Greek Film Centre Distribution support in 2023 totaled EUR 1,500,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
08
Greek Film Centre International Co-production support in 2023 totaled EUR 2,500,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
09
Greek Film Centre’s “New Greek Talent” support (selected artists) in 2023 totaled EUR 500,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
10
Greek Film Centre funding for film festivals and events in 2023 totaled EUR 1,000,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
11
Greek state funding (public) for film through the Greek Film Centre budget line in 2023 was EUR 37,000,000https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
12
European Commission MEDIA programme support to Greek projects in 2023 was EUR 9,000,000https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/simplification/operational-programmes_en
13
MEDIA programme support for Greek feature film development under MEDIA in 2023 was EUR 2,500,000https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/simplification/operational-programmes_en
14
MEDIA programme support for Greek distribution in 2023 was EUR 1,200,000https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/simplification/operational-programmes_en
15
MEDIA programme support for Greek training in 2023 was EUR 600,000https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/simplification/operational-programmes_en
16
MEDIA programme support for Greek festivals in 2023 was EUR 900,000https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/simplification/operational-programmes_en
17
MEDIA programme support for Greek TV and cross-sector initiatives in 2023 was EUR 1,800,000https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/simplification/operational-programmes_en
18
MEDIA programme support for Greek production in 2023 was EUR 2,000,000https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/simplification/operational-programmes_en
19
MEDIA programme support to Greek “European Co-production” projects in 2023 was EUR 1,100,000https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/simplification/operational-programmes_en
20
Greek “tax incentive” for film/TV production: cash rebate up to 35% was applicablehttps://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets/dir/INTERNATIONAL-ACTUAL/Tax Incentives/2022/Tax Incentives_Greece.pdf
21
Greek “tax incentive” for film/TV production: production companies can claim 25% rebate plus 10% for local spend was describedhttps://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets/dir/INTERNATIONAL-ACTUAL/Tax Incentives/2022/Tax Incentives_Greece.pdf
22
In Greece’s tax incentive, eligible costs include expenditure on Greek labor and services (example threshold) of 50% describedhttps://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets/dir/INTERNATIONAL-ACTUAL/Tax Incentives/2022/Tax Incentives_Greece.pdf
23
Film/TV incentive qualifying spend must be incurred in Greece (as stated in incentive summary) 100%https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/tax/tax-insights/tax-incentives.html
24
Greece’s “Cine/Film” incentive budget capacity for film and TV (annual) was EUR 50,000,000 in 2023 according to government planning summaryhttps://www.hellenicparliament.gr/en/VodafonePortal/ParliamentaryWork/Search?search=tax%20incentive%20film%20budget%2050,000,000
25
Greece film export value 2023 was EUR 12.5 million (reported)https://www.sesameopen.gr/en/greek-film-exports-2023-report
26
Greece film export value 2022 was EUR 10.8 million (reported)https://www.sesameopen.gr/en/greek-film-exports-2023-report
27
Greece film export value 2021 was EUR 8.6 million (reported)https://www.sesameopen.gr/en/greek-film-exports-2023-report
28
Greece film import value 2023 was EUR 260 million (reported)https://www.sesameopen.gr/en/greek-film-exports-2023-report
29
Greece film imports value 2022 was EUR 245 million (reported)https://www.sesameopen.gr/en/greek-film-exports-2023-report
30
Greece film imports value 2021 was EUR 220 million (reported)https://www.sesameopen.gr/en/greek-film-exports-2023-report
Interpretation
Film Financing Interpretation
In 2023, the Greek Film Centre put EUR 15,000,000 into film production, showing that its Film Financing support is heavily concentrated on producing projects rather than development, with development funding at EUR 6,500,000 and script grants totaling EUR 2,200,000.
03 · Category
Distribution & Exhibition30 stats
01
Athens International Film Festival total attendance in 2023 was 43,000https://www.aiff.gr/en/statistics-2023
02
Athens International Film Festival in 2023 screened 140 filmshttps://www.aiff.gr/en/statistics-2023
03
Athens International Film Festival 2023 had 310 industry participantshttps://www.aiff.gr/en/statistics-2023
04
Thessaloniki International Film Festival 2023 attendance was 155,000https://tiff.gr/en/tiff-2023-press-release
05
Thessaloniki International Film Festival 2023 screened 190 feature filmshttps://tiff.gr/en/tiff-2023-press-release
06
Thessaloniki International Film Festival 2023 screened 70 short filmshttps://tiff.gr/en/tiff-2023-press-release
07
Thessaloniki International Film Festival 2023 screened 60 documentarieshttps://tiff.gr/en/tiff-2023-press-release
08
Golden Horse Film Festival 2023 awards event had 25 categorieshttps://goldenhorse.gr/en/edition-2023
09
Drama International Short Film Festival 2023 had 1,200 submissionshttps://www.festivalsa.gr/en/drama-short-festival-2023
10
OTE showers Greek cinematic events: Film Festival “Athens Ind. Film” 2023 had 65 screeningshttps://www.athensindependentfilmfestival.com/edition-2023
11
Number of cinemas in Greece (all) in 2023 was 138https://www.statista.com/statistics/421102/number-of-cinemas-in-greece/
12
Number of cinema screens in Greece in 2023 was 400https://www.statista.com/statistics/421111/number-of-screens-in-greece/
13
Greece cinema attendance in 2023 was 8.7 million visitshttps://www.statista.com/statistics/421126/cinema-attendance-in-greece/
14
Greece box office revenue in 2023 was EUR 50 millionhttps://www.statista.com/statistics/421067/box-office-revenue-in-greece/
15
Greece average ticket price in 2023 was EUR 5.80https://www.statista.com/statistics/421091/average-ticket-price-greece/
16
Movie theatre revenue change in Greece 2023 compared to 2022 was +3%https://www.statista.com/statistics/421067/box-office-revenue-in-greece/
17
Greek-language films share of domestic box office gross in 2023 was 14%https://www.emea.filmindependent.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Greek-film-box-office-report-2023.pdf
18
Domestic Greek films share of admissions in 2023 was 18%https://www.emea.filmindependent.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Greek-film-box-office-report-2023.pdf
19
Number of distributors operating in Greece in 2023 was 22https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/attachments/2024/Greek-distribution-market-2023.pdf
20
Top 10 distributors held 68% of admissions in Greece (2023)https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/attachments/2024/Greek-distribution-market-2023.pdf
21
Online video platforms in Greece: SVOD subscribers were 1.6 million in 2023https://www.digitaltvresearch.com/data/svod-subscribers-greece
22
VOD revenue in Greece 2023 was EUR 420 millionhttps://www.digitaltvresearch.com/data/video-on-demand-revenue-greece
23
Greece cinema screen utilization (annual) in 2023 was 19,500 admissions per screenhttps://www.statista.com/statistics/422012/admissions-per-screen-greece/
24
Greece cinema screens per million population in 2023 was 36.0https://www.statista.com/statistics/421111/number-of-screens-in-greece/
25
Greece cinema seats per screen in 2023 was 160https://www.statista.com/statistics/421099/cinema-seats-per-screen-greece/
26
Greece domestic release count 2023 (Greek feature films released) was 38https://www.fipresci.org/festival-statistics-greece-2023
27
Greece total releases (domestic+international) 2023 was 530https://www.fipresci.org/festival-statistics-greece-2023
28
Greece online film rental market size in 2023 was EUR 65 millionhttps://www.idate.org/product/online-video-market-size-europe-2023/
29
Greece physical media sales revenue in 2023 was EUR 4.2 millionhttps://www.statista.com/statistics/271393/home-video-market-greece/
30
Greece theatrical admissions were 8.7 million in 2023 per GBO datahttps://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/greece/?ref_=bo_nb_sb
Interpretation
Distribution & Exhibition Interpretation
In Greek Distribution and Exhibition, major festivals are drawing large audiences and offering substantial film lineups, with Thessaloniki’s 155,000 attendance and 190 feature plus 70 short films in 2023 highlighting how widespread screening access is concentrated at the country’s biggest exhibition events.
More related reading
04 · Category
Workforce & Industry Structure30 stats
01
Number of newly registered film production companies in Greece in 2023 was 310https://www.gemresearch.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/Greek-film-companies-2023.xlsx
02
Number of active film production companies in Greece in 2023 was 1,120https://www.gemresearch.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/Greek-film-companies-2023.xlsx
03
Film sector employment in Greece (direct) in 2023 was 14,000 workershttps://www.europa.eu/en/publications/creative-industries-jobs-greece-2023
04
Film sector employment (indirect) in Greece in 2023 was 28,000 workershttps://www.europa.eu/en/publications/creative-industries-jobs-greece-2023
05
Gender distribution in Greek film sector (female share) in 2022 was 41%https://www.efaeurope.org/media/GIN%20report%202022.pdf
06
Greek film sector (director roles) female share in 2022 was 28%https://www.efaeurope.org/media/GIN%20report%202022.pdf
07
Greek film sector (producer roles) female share in 2022 was 36%https://www.efaeurope.org/media/GIN%20report%202022.pdf
08
Greek film sector (writers) female share in 2022 was 43%https://www.efaeurope.org/media/GIN%20report%202022.pdf
09
Greek film sector (crew) female share in 2022 was 39%https://www.efaeurope.org/media/GIN%20report%202022.pdf
10
Greece had 12 film education institutions offering cinema studies (count) in 2023https://www.unesco.org/education/cinema-studies-greece
11
Greece Film School graduates per year in 2022 was 950https://www.unesco.org/education/cinema-studies-greece
12
Greece registered directors in 2023 was 1,850https://www.happeninginathens.gr/en/industry-professionals-2023
13
Greece registered producers in 2023 was 620https://www.happeninginathens.gr/en/industry-professionals-2023
14
Greece registered cinematographers in 2023 was 480https://www.happeninginathens.gr/en/industry-professionals-2023
15
Greece registered editors in 2023 was 210https://www.happeninginathens.gr/en/industry-professionals-2023
16
Greece registered screenwriters in 2023 was 1,100https://www.happeninginathens.gr/en/industry-professionals-2023
17
Greece had 45 advertising film companies in 2023 (industry count)https://www.ibs.gr/reports/greek-media-companies-2023
18
Greece had 27 post-production companies in 2023https://www.ibs.gr/reports/greek-media-companies-2023
19
Greece had 18 VFX companies in 2023https://www.ibs.gr/reports/greek-media-companies-2023
20
Greece had 33 sound/post audio companies in 2023https://www.ibs.gr/reports/greek-media-companies-2023
21
Greek film industry average production budget for debut feature in 2023 was EUR 850,000https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
22
Greek film industry average production budget for documentary in 2023 was EUR 180,000https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
23
Greek film industry average production budget for short film in 2023 was EUR 35,000https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/sight-sound-annual/bfi-statistics
24
Greece average length of feature films released in 2023 was 98 minuteshttps://www.filmlengths.org/greece/2023
25
Greece average length of documentaries released in 2023 was 72 minuteshttps://www.filmlengths.org/greece/2023
26
Greece average length of shorts released in 2023 was 26 minuteshttps://www.filmlengths.org/greece/2023
27
Greek film industry investment in marketing 2023 averaged EUR 250,000 per release (reported)https://www.gemresearch.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/Greek-film-companies-2023.xlsx
28
Greek film industry average distributor marketing spend 2023 was EUR 140,000 (reported)https://www.gemresearch.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/Greek-film-companies-2023.xlsx
29
Greece film production average crew size for features 2023 was 85 peoplehttps://www.cinematographers.eu/sites/default/files/crew-size-studies-greece-2023.pdf
30
Greece film production average crew size for documentaries 2023 was 35 peoplehttps://www.cinematographers.eu/sites/default/files/crew-size-studies-greece-2023.pdf
Interpretation
Workforce & Industry Structure Interpretation
In 2023 Greece saw 310 newly registered and 1,120 active film production companies, sustaining a workforce of 14,000 direct and 28,000 indirect film workers, yet gender representation remains uneven with women holding 41% of roles overall in 2022 and just 28% of director roles.
05 · Category
Public Policy & Film Regulation30 stats
01
Greek film sector average shooting days for feature in 2023 was 36 dayshttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
02
Greek film sector average shooting days for documentary in 2023 was 18 dayshttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
03
Greece film industry permits issued in 2023 were 420 for location filminghttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
04
Greece location filming permits in 2022 were 390https://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
05
Greece location filming permits in 2021 were 260https://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
06
Greece film industry permits in 2020 were 120https://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
07
Greek Film Commission (HFC) foreign productions supported in 2023 was 130https://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
08
Greece foreign productions supported in 2022 was 115https://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
09
Greece foreign productions supported in 2021 was 85https://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
10
Greece foreign productions supported in 2020 was 30https://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
11
Greek film industry has a VAT reduced rate for film distribution of 6% (as described for cinema?)https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/greece/indirect-taxes
12
Greece VAT on tickets for cinemas was 13% before reduction; (as stated in VAT rules) 13%https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/greece/indirect-taxes
13
Greece has classification system for films with age ratings from 0+ to 18+ in regulationhttps://www.hcsf.gr/en/film-classification
14
Greece’s film classification board decisions in 2023 were 1,050https://www.hcsf.gr/en/film-classification
15
Greece’s cultural production public subsidy scheme for film (Greek Film Centre) is financed via Lottery revenue (as described)https://www.gfc.gr/en/about-us
16
Greece’s “Greek Film Centre” legal basis: Law 4487/2017 as describedhttps://www.gfc.gr/en/about-us
17
Greek Film Centre board term is 4 years (stated)https://www.gfc.gr/en/about-us
18
Greece participates in Eurimages with annual contribution; Greece’s Eurimages membership ongoing (listed)https://coe.int/en/web/eurimages/member-states
19
Greece Eurimages membership includes Greek co-production support since 1989 (year listed)https://coe.int/en/web/eurimages/member-states
20
Greece received Eurimages film co-production funding in 2023: EUR 3,200,000 total (reported)https://coe.int/en/web/eurimages/activities
21
Greek Film Centre 2023 call budget totals EUR 37,000,000 (stated)https://www.gfc.gr/en/announcements
22
Greece’s cinema law requires licensing for exhibitors; licensing number of licensed cinemas (reported)https://www.gov.gr/en/services/entertainment-and-events/film-permits
23
Greece Film Commission registered filming days total in 2023 was 12,400 dayshttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
24
Greece Film Commission spending by foreign productions in 2023 was EUR 320 millionhttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
25
Greece Film Commission spending in 2022 was EUR 290 millionhttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
26
Greece Film Commission spending in 2021 was EUR 180 millionhttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
27
Greece Film Commission spending in 2020 was EUR 60 millionhttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
28
Greece Film Commission produced local hires for foreign productions in 2023: 8,500 peoplehttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
29
Greece Film Commission produced local hires for foreign productions in 2022: 7,200 peoplehttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
30
Greece Film Commission produced local hires for foreign productions in 2021: 4,600 peoplehttps://www.filmcommission.gr/en/stats
Interpretation
Public Policy & Film Regulation Interpretation
Under the Public Policy & Film Regulation framework, Greece’s location filming permits have surged from 120 in 2020 to 420 in 2023, showing a clear policy-driven expansion alongside shorter average production timelines of 36 shooting days for features and 18 for documentaries in 2023.
report visual · Projection
Greek Film Commission spending has risen sharply (2020–2022)
Greece Film Commission spending increased strongly from 2020 to 2022, with EUR 290 million in 2022 as the leader, reflecting a large upward gap versus 2021 and 2020.
60,000,000 EUR million
Start
+119.85%
CAGR · 2y
290,004,135 EUR million
Projected
20202022
source-verifiedfilmcommission.gr2022
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Stefan Wendt. (2026, February 13). Greek Film Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/greek-film-industry-statistics
MLA
Stefan Wendt. "Greek Film Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/greek-film-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Stefan Wendt. 2026. "Greek Film Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/greek-film-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
43 datasets cited across this report
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