The Awards of the 43rd Drama International Short Film Festival

The Awards of the 43rd

43rd NATIONAL COMPETITION AWARDS

The jury of the 43rd Drama Greek Short Film Festival, consisting of

President:
Argiris Papadimitropoulos

Members:
Giannis Stankoglou
Alexia Theodoraki
Evi Kalogiropoulou
Romanna Lobach

Making movies is a difficult business. Making movies in Greece, even more so. All of you not only managed to do this, but you also did it well. The films we watched during this festival were personal, daring, and truly spectacular. For this, we thank you.

During the final meeting, the jury decided to present the following awards

GOLDEN DIONYSOS

The Golden Dionysos Award is awarded to the film “Bella”, directed by Thelyia Petraki.

The award is accompanied by three prizes:
Finos Film Productions offers a cash prize of 4,000 Euro
The Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) offers a cash prize of 3,000 Euro
The Greek Film Centre (GFC) offers a cash prize of 2,000 Euro

SPECIAL AWARD BY THE SELECTION JURY

This award is presented to the film “Vouta”, by Dimitris Zahos.
Because it is a film that moved us profoundly from start to finish. Personally, the ending moved me to such an extent, that I still think of it on every hour of the day.

BEST DIRECTION “TONIA MARKETAKI” AWARD

This award is presented to the film “Harmonica Man”, by Alexandros Skouras,
for managing to extract stellar performances, not only from its main, but from all peripheral actors, too, in order to create a finely-tuned film which stole our hearts.

The award is accompanied by
A cash prize of 3,500 Euro, offered by the Greek Film Centre (awarded to the director),
And Post-Production provisions by Stefilm

Documentary Award

This award is presented to the film “Teo, My Neighbour”, by Christos Karteris.

We were somewhat concerned with the absence of more films of a purely documentary nature; still, a film with a strong outlook, a lively rhythm, a sense of humour and a sensitivity in observing its hero, managed to stand out.

The award is accompanied by
A cash prize of 3,500 Euro, offered by the Greek Film Centre
And a cash prize of 1,000 Euro, offered by the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT)

Drama Queer

This award is presented to the film “Madonna F64.0”, by Stavros Markoulakis.

This year, the selection panel asks the Festival to establish an award which, up until now, is resoundingly absent from the competition. An award which will be awarded every year, until there are no more people who are denied the chance to live a normal life and suffer because of their diversity.
All people have a right to equal chances, a right to love, to happiness, and to life itself.
This year, we will be giving out an award to a film that takes a stand in favour of diversity.
Cinema can be far richer when it includes all of us, male, female, or other.

Best Script Award

This award is presented to Giorgos Teltzidis, for the script of the film “Vouta” by Dimitris Zahos,
for sharp dialogue and faithfulness in all the factors chosen to realise the narration.

The award is accompanied by
A cash prize of 3,500 Euro, offered by the Greek Film Centre

Honorary Distinction for Best Female Actor

Awarded to Elena Topalidou, for her performance in the film “Bella”, by Thelyia Petraki,
for her non-pretentious and unrivalled rendition of the voice-over, her movement plasticity and her compelling gaze.

Honorary Distinction for Best Male Actor

Awarded to Pavlos Iordanopoulos, for his performance in the film “The Meaning of August”, by Manos Papadakis, for his frugal, moving and simultaneously reserved and personal performance.

Honorary Distinction for Photography

Awarded to Manu Tilinski, for his photography in the film “Bella”, by Thelyia Petraki,
for cinematographic particularity, for the harmonious combination of live shooting and archive materials, and for the use of a unique colour palette.

Honorary Distinction for Film Editing

Awarded to Smaro Papaevangelou, for her editing work in the film “Escaping the Fragile Planet”, by Thanasis Tsimpinis,
for her meticulous organisation of each cut and her respect towards the actors’ each and every breath.

Honorary Distinction for Stage Design

Awarded to Danai Elefsinioti, for the film “Vouta”, by Dimitris Zahos,
for the exceptional rendition of places, the credibility of representation and the natural and precise description of the places of action.

Honorary Distinction ‘Ioulia Stavridou’ for Costume Design

Awarded to Vassilia Rozana, for her work in the film “Bella” by Thelyia Petraki,
for the meticulous costume design which ensured consistency with the film’s particular aesthetic.

The award is accompanied by a cash prize of 2,000 Euro, offered by the Trianon Cinema,
And a sponsorship for the costume designer by the company Enjoy.

Honorary Distinction for Original Score

Awarded to Yannis Veslemes, for the music in the film “Melatonin” by Nikos Pastras,
for the composition of the original music which provided a very special in situ project with an intense pulse.

Honorary Distinction for Sound Design

Awarded to Kostis Charamountanis, for his film “Anthology of a Butterfly”, also directed by him,
for the creative collation and use of sound in a way that renders it an indispensable part of the composition.

Honorary Distinction for Sound

Awarded to Simos Lazaridis, for the film “The Meaning of August” by Manos Papadakis, for his important contribution in the narration of the film.

Honorary Distinction for Makeup

Awarded to Ioanna Lygizou, for her work in the film “Bella” by Thelyia Petraki,
for her detail-oriented and discreet contribution in the representation of the era.

Honourable Mention

An honourable mention is given to the creative team of the film “Dakar” by Stelios Moraitidis, for the film’s frugal approach, poetic dimension and comprehensive development of a story doomed to be lost.

Honourable Mention

An honourable mention is given to the film “The Call” by Marios Psaras,
For its targeted use of cinematography as a means for servicing the film’s sensitive subject
matter.

Honourable Mention

An honourable mention is given to the film “Pashka” by Oltjon Lipe,
for its subversive outlook on the topic of a young hero’s homecoming, as well as for its concept’s resounding impact.

International Competition Awards 2020

The jury of the International Competition Section of the 43rd Drama Short Film Festival, consisting of

Pawel Pawlikowski
Themis Bazaca
Lefteris Charitos
Lena Divani
Stergios Paschos

Good evening. We’re all products of our era. Both the people, and our works.
And this wildly improbable era, gathered, from the four corners of the world, wildly bizarre fruit which we relished on the silver screen. They were many, they were diverse, they were tantalising, and they fed endless discussions each evening. Here, we ought to thank the Artistic Director and his collaborators, the people whose difficult task it was to select these 35 out of 2,000 films from around the world.
At the end of the screenings, through this colourful explosion, two distinct trends and an absence could clearly be seen:

– Loneliness; unbearable, impossible to humanly handle loneliness; which leads us to the next trend.
– Escape. More and more new creators escape reality through their work. They create a world that’s utterly their own, in which they set the rules themselves. They’re no longer powerless.

Finally, we find the complete lack of political films, concerning. In an era that is in desperate need of political thought, we felt that new creators conceive politics as a fixed game that they have no part in.
So, in turn, they give it no part. Is that the solution, though? Or does it reflect the uncertainty of an era that’s dying, while a new one hasn’t yet been born.

With all this in mind, we tried to select films that attempted to explore the boundaries of filmmaking, while at the same time holding up the human dimension of cinema. As you will see, we embraced the films that, while dealing with existential darkness, left a ray of light in through the cracks. These cracks are sometimes the films themselves.

During the final meeting, the jury decided to present the following awards

Grand Prix 2020

Awarded to the film “And she hisses” directed by Monica Lek – Spain/USA.

A film that the jury members unanimously agreed was deserving of the main award. A film that grows inside you, that stretches the boundaries of the medium, that dares to touch the limits, that provokes traditional cinematic narratives and comes out a winner, that fascinates with its subject matter, as well as the protagonists’ interpretations.

The award is accompanied by 4,000 euros, offered by Raycap.

Best Director

Awarded to the film “Chen Chen” directed by Kargo Chen – Hong Kong.

A modest, simple, honest, touching film, almost healing, one that our soul desperately needed.

Best Southeastern European Film Award

Awarded to the film “As if underwater / Όπως θα συνέβαιναν μέσα στο νερό” directed by Anthi Daoutaki from Greece.

For its bold and imaginative direction, for the whole world created in a solitary room, and because, although it deals with a very bleak subject, it put a smile on our faces.

Best Animation Film

Awarded to the film “Portrait of Suzanne” by Izabela Plucinska – Poland/Germany/France.

Because we adored the film of the award-winning director in Drama, which sculpted-literally and metaphorically- the most tragicomedic, surreal, delightful character in the competition.

Best Production Awards “TV5 MONDE”

Awarded to the film “Anna” directed by Dekel Berenson – UK/Ukraine/Israel.

A high quality production, moderate and efficient on every level. From the extras, to the selection of settings.

Special award Environment & Climate change

Awarded to the film “The End of Suffering (a proposal)” directed by Jacqueline Lentzou from Greece.

A film that manages, among other things, to give the clearest and most substantial message on climate change. The universe converses with its desperate heroine, and tells her how people made their own cages and turned Earth into a hostile planet.

The award is accompanied by 4,000 euros, offered by the non-profit organization Cylops

#ThisisEU- European Values

Awarded to the film “Virago” directed by Kerli Kirch Schneider – Estonia.

A film that views history through a comedic prism, a privilege of European thinking, and highlights Eastern-European trauma. In this instance, the heavy burden that fell on women’s shoulders in a disintegrating post-communist society.

Nomination EFA Drama 2020

Directed to the film “Favourites” by Martin Monk – Austria/Germany
for its simplicity, solid construction and its great actors.

Special Mention Male Part

Awarded to Kostis Koroneos for his performance in the film “Premier Amour” by Haris Raftogiannis – Greece/France.
for managing to humanise a completely marginal hero.

Special Mention Female Part

Awarded to Stella Vogiatzaki for her performance in the film “As if underwater” by Anthi Daoutaki – Greece.
for embodying the melancholia of a lonely heroine, gracefully displaying every aspect of her complex psyche.

FIPRESCI Award

The jury of FIPRESCI consisting of:
Ηelene Robert from France
Marla Jacarilla from Spain
Despina Triantafillidou from Greece

present the FIPRESCI Award to the film “The End of Suffering (a proposal)” by Jacqueline Lentzou from Greece.

The members of the Fipresci jury have decided to give the International Award to “The End of Suffering” by Jacqueline Lentzou. We appreciate the originality, depth, and simplicity of the project, the aesthetic of the images, and her ability to develop a dreamlike low fi science fiction movie. Furthermore, there is a nice attempt to explain non-duality spiritual concepts.

Greek Society of Film Critics

«Goads», Iris Baglanea.

Hellenic Parliament TV Channel Award
“Human Values”

The television channel of the Parliament bestows the “Human Values” Award to a film of the international program of the festival, which narrates with minimalism and boldness the effort of a woman to approach her underage son, a rural prison inmate, after many years of her being absent.
The award is bestowed to the film “In her steps” by Anastasia Kratidi from Greece.

International Student Awards 2020

The jury of the International Student Competition of the 43rd Drama International Short Film Festival, consisting of:

Lida Vartzioti & Dimitris Tsakaleas
Alexandros Diakosavvas
Alki Politi

During the final meeting, the jury decided to present the following awards:

GRAND PRIX STUDENT
“ALMOST FAMOUS”

To the film “The best orchestra in the world” by Henning Backhaus from Austria.
For the compelling and humour-laden depiction of the need for diversity representation in art, institutions, and society, the modern viewpoint and the hope that we’ll all soon be identifying as “socks”.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD
“RISING STAR”

To the film “A mess at Apartment 14″ by Radu Barbu freom Romania
For the realism in the depiction of everyday life, the balance between boldness, simplicity, and underlying irony, the unpretentious acting, and rounded sketching of multifaceted characters.

HONORARY DISTINCTION

To the film “22:47 LINIE 34” by Michael Karrer from Switzerland
For the clear eye and mindful approach of a burning social issue, the entirely current dialogue, the artful rhythm and its deeply existential quality.

SPECIAL AWARD FOR THE BEST NEWCOMER DIRECTOR
“DINOS KATSOURIDIS”

To the film “Rosa Kairo” by Jacques Simha
To the film “Violetta” by Fivos Imellos
To the film “The jar” by Kyriakos Rontsis

AUDIENCE AWARDS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION

To the film The Jar by Kyriakos Rontsis.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

To the film As if underwater by Anthi Daoutaki.

NATIONAL COMPETITION

To the film Antivirus by Anastasia Sima.

The ONLINE FESTIVAL platform

ONLINE FESTIVAL

DISFF43 - Online Platform Presentation - Watch Short Films Online!

https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/online-festival/

THE SCHEDULE
► Online Platform’s registration OPENS at: 20/09/2020 – 19:00pm (EEST)
► Online Voting for Audience Award ENDS at: 25/09/2020 – 22:00pm (EEST)
► Online Platform CLOSES at: 26/09/2020 – 23:59pm (EEST)
*The schedule is strict and there is NO possibility of exceptions.
*Because οf Geo-Blocking regulation, DISFF Online Platform works normally only in Greek Territory.

THE AUDIENCE AWARD
► NATIONAL COMPETITION: 34 Films
► INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 35 Film
► INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION: 22 Film

– You can VOTE one (1) Short Film / per Competition Program.
– The vote is connected to the User & IP Address.
– The Winner of Audience Awards will be announced on the Awards Ceremony: 26 September.

The countdown to the 43rd Short Film Festival in Drama has started

countdown to the 43rd

The countdown to the 43rd Short Film Festival in Drama has started. The Festival is turning a new page in its history, with a new Artistic Director, Yannis Sakaridis, who took up his post under globally unprecedented circumstances, at a period of time where Greek short film creators are excelling at the biggest international film festivals. For this reason, for the first time in its history, the Drama Film Festival will be conducted simultaneously both in physical locations and online.

The Festival is delighted to announce that internationally acclaimed Polish director Pawel Pawlikowski will be a member of the jury of the International Competition.

The great celebration of short film, https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr, will take place from the 20th to the 26th of September, headlined by filmmakers and the audience that loves and supports short film.

Once again this year, Drama is preparing to welcome Greek short film creators to the most joyous celebration of Greek cinema, which transforms the city centre and its wonderful water park where the Festival is held, to a frenetic film set every September.

The National Short Film Festival is here to spotlight new cinematic talent in the making, and promote the creation of short film as an independent category pertinent to filmmakers of all age groups.

The 43rd DISFF will be conducted in the newly-renovated open-air cinema Alexandros, the festival’s new hotspot, at the Olympia Cinema, and the Municipal Conservatory of Drama. Alongside the aforementioned locations, a drive-in cinema will be set up for the first time, next to the Krachtidis Stadium (Drama’s indoor sports fascility).

Those who wish to watch the Festival online, will need to register here:

https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/online-festival

Registrations will begin with the opening of the platform, on 20/09/20.

In total, 141 films from 37 countries will be screened; spread between the Festival’s various programmes.

In the words of Yannis Sakaridis, “at a time when the whole world’s been shaken by the pandemic, we have prepared a festival which will bolster short film, and give hope to its creators. In times of crisis, films can provoke, transport us to another place, inform, enchant, and heal.”

NATIONAL COMPETITION

Out of 275 Greek films submitted (a new record for the festival), 34 will compete for the awards of the 43rd competition https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/festival/greek-competition, in a solid but flexible programme. These include 3 documentaries, 2 animation films, and 2 experimental films. This year, about a quarter of competing directors are women (the female signatures are 9).

A lot of new talents are participating, as well as plenty of the festival’s old acquaintances who have received awards in the past. Man’s relationship to animals seems to monopolize a good deal of the directors’ interest this year, in films of a very different style. Trans characters aspire to steal the limelight, while the Coronavirus matter, paradoxically, concerns very few contestants –we will, however, see a meta-apocalyptic gay love story inspired by the pandemic.

Issues that have long perturbed Greek short film makers are once again prevalent this year: Immigration (as far as children are concerned, predominantly), in an unwelcoming Athens, integration of immigrants in Greek society, war, managing loss, helplessness and old age, love. Directors seem to be deeply concerned by parent-child relationships, especially cases of mothers or fathers who, regardless of the reason for their absence, scar their children irreparably. There is no shortage of period dramas, allegorical tales, fantasy films, and some which intensely experiment with form.

Many popular actors star in the competing films: Vangelio Andreadaki, Andreas Konstantinou, Pavlos Iordanopoulos, Giorgos Kentros, Yannis Kokiasmenos, Kimonas Kouris, Nikos Kouris, Youla Boudali, Kostas Nikouli, Dimitris Xanthopoulos, Makis Papadimitriou, Karanfil Sena, Maria Skoula, Konstantina Takalou, Elena Topalidou, Penelope Tsilika and Yannis Tsortekis, to mention but a few.

We will also see actors in the director’s chair (Christos Karteris) and producers as co-scriptwriters (Christos K. Konstantakopoulos).

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

This year, which marks 26 years since its internationalization, the Festival will screen 36 films from 30 countries in total.

https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/festival/international-competition/.

It will feature 11 international, 2 European, and 19 Greek premieres.

As the Head Programmer of the International Competition Manolis Melissourgos  points out, for the first time, there are 6 Greek films in the running for the International Competition, namely: As if underwater by Anthi Daoutaki, In her steps by Anastasia Kratidi, Τhe end of suffering (a proposal) by Jaqueline Lentzou, Goads by Iris Baglanea, Dive by Thimios Bakatakis and Premier amour by Haris Raftogiannis (France, Greece). Also competing is The parrot lady by Michalis Kalopaidis, from Cyprus.

Some additional surprises in this year’s programme:

  • Women creators outnumber their male counterparts for the first time. Out of the competing directors, 19 are women and 17 men.
  • Thimios Bakatakis is a renowned Cinematographer and a close associate of Yorgos Lanthimos (The killing of a sacred deer, The lobster, Dogtooth). He is participating in the 43rd DISFF with his first short film, Dive.
  • Hollywood actress Rusty Schwimmer (known for films such as Twister, The perfect storm, and North country) holds the starring role in the film Keep it quiet by Yaya (USA).
  • Two films distinguished at the 2019 Drama Pitching Lab are competing this year:  Wild child by Kaki Wong (Hong Kong,) and Under the same roof by Simeon Tsonchev (Bulgaria).
  • Lastly, the Drama Film Festival is honored to present, in a national first, Thanasis Neofotistos’ new film, Route 3 (Bosnia, Greece), which will be screened as part of the International section, out of competition.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION

22 films from 16 countries were chosen for the newly-launched, ambitious student competitionhttps://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/festival/international-student-competition/, including 3 Greek films: Violetta by Fivos Imellos (New York College), Rosa Kairo by Jacques Simha (Kapodistrian University Cultural Society Cinema Section), and The jar by Kyriakos Rontsis (Bournemouth Film School).

The participants are students from 21 cinema schools around the world, 12 of which are internationally renowned. The festival has secured 7 international premieres, 2 European, 4 Balkan, and 9 Greek.

The creation of this new programme aims to meet the need for local and International production of student short film, and is integrally linked to the Festival’s vision for the upcoming establishment the Film School in Drama.

Award-winning director Thanassis Neofotistos, who began his career at the Drama Film Festival, is the Head Programmer of the International Student Competition.

JURIES AND NEW AWARDS

Oscar-winning Polish director Pawel Pawlikowski will be in good company in the International Competition’s jury with actress Themis Bazaka, director Lefteris Charitos, author Lena Divani, and director Stergios Paschos.

Chairman of the National Competition jury is director Argyris Papadimitropoulos.

The other members are: actor Yannis Stankoglou, set and costume designer Alexia Theodoraki, director  Evi Kalogiropoulou, and actor Romanna Lobach.

In the newly-established International Student Competition, the jury consists of:  Journalist Aleandros Diakosavvas, directing duo Lida Vartzioti & Dimitris Tsakaleas, and screenwriter/director Alki Politi.

As a tribute to beloved set and costume designer Ioulia Stavridou, who was taken from us so unjustly, the Festival is naming a new award after her: Honorary Distinction for Costume Design “Ioulia Stavridou”. It will be accompanied by a cash award of €2,000 offered by Trianon Cinema.

Four new (monetary) prizes by the Greek Film Centre are added to the categories Golden Dionysos, screenplay, direction, and documentary.

Audience Awards are being introduced for the first time: Viewers will be able to actively take part in the selection of the film to receive the Audience Award in all three of the competition programmes, via the Festival’s online platform (Online Festival).

The “Dinos Katsouridis” award is reallocated to the International Student Competition to support participating Greeks and give incentive for their next project.

The “#ThisisEU – European Values” is awarded by the Delegation of the European Commission in Greece to the film selected by the International Jury of the Drama film festival. It goes to the film that promotes the European values, such as: liberty, equality, state of justice and respect for the human rights.

Finally, the urban non-profit company “Cyclops”, based in Drama, is sponsoring the Special Award for Environmental Sensitivity Environment & Climate Change, to the sum of €4,000 inInternational Competition.

For further information: https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/news/

DRAMA PITCHING LAB –ONLINE FOR THE FIRST TIME

The Drama Festival continues to support the production of short films and coach new directors: As part of its educational platform DRAMA MINI TALENT LAB, this year it is organizing a Pitching Lab workshop to provide directors / producers with pitching techniques, while at the Pitching Forum, young directors and producers from all over the world will have the opportunity to present their project in a 5-minute pitch, to producers and potential sponsors. At the end of the Pitching Forum, participants will also have the opportunity to arrange individual meetings with interested producers or festival directors, for the potential promotion of their work.

The Pitching Forum will be conducted ONLINE, and exclusively in the English language.

The Pitching Forum will take place on Friday, September 25th, and will be open to the public via live streaming.

Finos Film is offering a monetary prize for the best plan, while Authorwave is offering post-production services.

The Pitching Lab has decided to accept 15 plans this year, as the online platform allows for wider participation. You can find the participating projects here: https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/festival/pitching-lab/

Heading the Festival’s educational programme is director and instructor Barbara Dukas. She is accompanied by playwright Georgina Kakoudaki.

THE REMAINDER OF THE PROGRAMME

Cinematherapy with Pawel Pawlikovski: The renowned director will take part in an open discussion on his last film, “Cold war”, moderated in Drama by cinematherapist Denise Nikolakou.

The Drama Film Festival is hosting this project for the first time, aiming to highlight the psychotherapeutic effect a film can have on the viewer through cinematherapy (Friday 25/9, 16:00, Municipal Conservatory).

Screening of two programmes of short films shot during the restricting measures against the pandemic.

Enter in collaboration with the Onassis Foundation: Far from another quarantine diary, this is a series of original works created against the setting of the “here and now”. From Manhattan to Brooklyn, from Athens to Berlin, and from the village Karantinata of Kefalonia to London, artists from all over the world welcome us into their homes. Amongst them, Vasilis Kekatos, Yorgos Zois, and Efthymis Filippou.

Spaces 1 in collaboration with the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. Eight Greek directors were assigned by the Festival to shoot a short film inside their home, presenting their own cinematic commentary on the unprecedented situation we all experienced this past spring. The films are signed by: George Georgopoulos, Rinio Dragasaki, Zacharias Mavroidis, Minos Nikolakakis, Marianna Oikonomou, Stavros Pampallis, Syllas Tzoumerkas and Stavros Psyllakis.

Presentations of competing directors and open discussion with the public daily at the “Alexandros” Open-Air Cinema (12:00)

Short Matters 2020

Award-winning films of the European Film Academy’s film festival network nominated for the EFA 2019 Best European Short Film Award.

Focus on Animation https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/focusonanimation/. “Greek Animation, from education to professional production”. Online screening of Greek animation films through the festival’s online platform, curated by award-winning director and professor Spyros Siakas. In collaboration with the University of West Attica.

Events for children. “Film Education Courses”: The multi-faceted educational programme by NEANIKO PLANO is coming to Drama for a four-day film workshop for elementary students.

Fair Afternoons (21-25/9, “Alexandros” open-air cinema, 18:00) overseen and presented by author-journalist Pavlos Methenitis.

This year’s guests are Lena Divani and Dimitris Sofianopoulos, on account of their new books “Couples That Wrote the History of Greece” (Friday, 25/9), and “Many Years Later” (Thursday, 24/9), respectively.

Also presented: the anthology of short stories “100 words in 100 hours for Shedia” from Komotini, the proceeds of which will be donated to the monthly street magazine for the homeless “Shedia” (Thursday 24/9), as well as two books by Drama authors: “Irini of Drama” by Phaedon Patrikalakis who is no longer with us, and “Toso ithele to stithos” (poems) by Kalliopi Exarchou (Wednesday 23/9). The event begins on Tuesday 22/9 with the presentation of two important magazines: the Drama magazine of spoken word and art “DIODOS 66100” and the Magazine for Art and Life “MANDRAGORAS” (publisher: Costas Kremmidas). Selected guests will speak about the books – among them the Drama poet and lawyer Polina G. Bana.

Finally, this year’s winning films will be screened on Sunday, 27/9 at 18:00, at the Olympia Cinema.

“ANTONIS PAPADOPOULOS HALL”

At the opening ceremony of the 43rd Film Festival, the naming ceremony of the main hall of the Municipal Conservatory of Drama as “Antonis Papadopoulos Hall” will take place, in memory of the late director of the Festival, who passed away too soon last March.

RENDEZ-VOUZ IN ATHENS (TOO)

Not only will we meet in Drama, but also in Athens, in October (8-14/10), seeing as this year’s Festival’s programme, the award-winning films of the International and select programmes, will be screened at the “Trianon” cinema.

The initiative “Drama Film Festival Travels” will go on to many more destinations. Last year the Festival’s Greek films travelled to 45 cities and 5 countries (and it would have been way more had the pandemic not thrown a wrench in it…)  spotlighting the dynamics of Greek cinema both inside and outside the Greek borders.

The Drama Film Festival is financed by the Ministry of Culture & Sports, the Municipality of Drama, and the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace.

PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIAL

A selection of images from every section can be found and downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h4kkvxvjqicokf3/AAAUmMFzAAO0L-2MFbRKf_H3a?dl=0

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL

We extend our sincere thanks to the supporters and sponsors of the festival:

Greek Parliament
Ministry of Culture and Sports
Region of East Macedonia and Thrace
Municipality of Drama

Sponsors:

ERT S.A.
COSMOTE TV
ΤV5 Monde
Finos Film
Raycap
CYCLOPS
Trianon Filmcenter
SteFilm
Εnjoy Fashion Point
The Katsouridis family
Authorwave

Supporters:

Greek Film Center
Creative Europe Media Greece
EKOME SA – National Centre of Audiovisual Media & Communication
Fipresci
European Film Academy
European Commission Delegation in Greece
Embassy of France & Consulate General of France in Thessaloniki
French Institute of Greece & French Institute in Thessaloniki
University of West Attica
Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young people
Neaniko Plano
Thessaloniki International Film Festival
Onassis Foundation – Stegi
Film Unions
Volunteer Samaritans, Rescuers and Lifeguards Corp -Drama Regional Department
Wine Producers’ Association of Drama

Communication Sponsors:

ERT S.A. Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation, ERT 3, Second Programme Radio Station, Kosmos Radio Station, The voice of Greece Radio Station, 102fm, 9,58, ERT Kavala & ERT Serres
ΤV5 Monde
Hellenic Parliament Television
Real FM Radio Station
Athens 9,84 Radio Station
Sto Kokkino – Thessaloniki Radio Station
EFSYN
DOCUMENTO

Further Information:

info@dramafilmfestival.gr (Drama Film Festival Secretariat)
Drama Headquarters: tel. 25210 47575
Athens Headquarters: tel. 210 3300309

Argyris Papadimitropoulos heading the National Competition Jury

Argyris Papadimitropoulos

Argyris Papadimitropoulos is the Chairman of the jury at the 43rd Short Film Festival’s National Competition.

Known to the general public for his feature films Suntan, Wasted Youth, and Bank Bang,  as well as his bold, youthful and innovative perspective, he has been awarded for his work in Greek cinema, and he is active as a producer. In the past he had competed at the Drama Film Festival, to which he returns in a new post, one of great responsibility.

The Festival and the Artistic Directror, Yannis Sakaridis, are pleased to welcome him to Drama, trusting that his “fresh” eye will be of great benefit to new directors.

Below is a note from Argyris Papadimitropoulos:

“When I was still fantasizing about one day making movies, the Drama Film Festival seemed an elusive dream. This would give us the urge to and courage to dream of bigger festivals.

I visited as a student to see what went on in the world, later (twice) as a competing director, and a few more times as a producer, or as a filmmaker strolling around watching my friends’ films. Then came bigger journeys with my feature films, to more distant destinations, and for over ten years I did not board the train to Drama. This year I am returning to admire the creations of new directors, who will soon travel around the world, and I return as Chairman of the jury, in excellent company to be announced soon.

I wish the very best of luck to every new creator and to the new administration of the festival”.

Argyris Papadimitropoulos was born in Athens, and studied in Great Britain.

The first two short films he directed, Ekkremes (2003) and Tender (2004), were screened and honored in numerous festivals. His first feature film, Bank Bang (2009), was a commercial success in Greece (500,000 tickets), received positive reviews, and won Best First Film Director at the Hellenic Film Academy Awards. His next film, Wasted Youth (2011), opened the 40th Rotterdam International Film Festival and was screened at many others around the world (Toronto, Karlovy Vary etc). His latest film, Suntan (2016), which also premiered at Rotterdam, received several awards internationally (e.g. Best International Feature Film at the Edinburgh IFF), and was nominated for the European Parliament’s Lux prize. He has got more than 300 advertisements under his belt as well as public service campaigns for Amnesty International, Action Aid, and others. He has produced important films of contemporary Greek cinema, such as  Boy eating the bird’s food and At home. At the moment, the director is in the post production stage of his first English-speaking film, entitled Monday, a romantic drama produced by Faliro House (Greece), Automatik Entertainment (USA), and DJ Films (UK).

www.argyris.film

As part of its pre-festival events, the Drama Film Festival will present the film Suntan by Argyris Papadimitropoulos, on Saturday, August 22 at the Alexandros Open-Air Cinema in Drama.

The films that qualified to compete at the 43rd National Competition

films that qualified

We are delighted to announce the films that were selected to compete in this year’s National Competition.

Out of l the 275 films initially submitted to the 43rd National Competition, 34 will compete.

In the words of the Artistic Director, Yannis Sakaridis: “It’s a tight and carefully selected programme, apt to current circumstances which demand flexibility, leaving all options open, including the screening of the Competition in our city’s new open-air cinema”.

The qualifying committee consisted of:

Sofia Exarchou – director, producer
Yorgos Makris – actor, screenwriter
Aphroditi  Nikolaidou – Assistant Professor at the University of Athens
Panagiotis Fafoutis – director, producer
and the Drama Film Festival’s Artistic Director, producer/director Yannis Sakaridis.

43rd National Short Film qualifying committee choices:

1. GOADS by Baglanea Iris, fiction, 15′
2. PASHKA by Lipe Oltjon, fiction, 22′
3. MARE NOSTRUM by Anagnostou Dimitris, fiction, 26′
4. HAPPY by Anastasopoulou Giouli, fiction, 8′
5. ISKIOMA by Gerampinis Kostas, fiction, 15′
6. PAINTING FOR THE MAIN BEDROOM by Doulis Ilias, experimental, 3′
7. VOUTA by Zahos Dimitris, fiction, 18′
8. TEO, MY NEIGHBOR by Karteris Christos, documentary, 14′
9. POSTCARDS FROM HELLINIKON by Katerinopoulou Aphroditi, fiction, 23′
10. SEVARAMBES by Kontos George, animation, 11′
11. FIAT LUX by Korakianitis Yorgos, fiction, 10′
12. Ηρώ /he.ro:/ by Koukias-Pantelis Alexis, fiction, 15′
13. OLD WEST by Kourti Despina, fiction, 18′
14. IN HER STEPS by Kratidi Anastasia, fiction, 24′
15. 54 / THE BLIND TURTLE AND THE ENDLESS SEA by Margara Isabella, fiction, 13′
16. MADONNA F64.0 by Markoulakis Stavros, fiction, 17′
17. BOURN by Moutsiakas Dimitris, fiction, 17′
18. WHEN I SMILE MY EYES CLOSE by Bolda Daniel, fiction, 17′
19. DAKAR by Moraitidis Stelios, fiction, 12′
20. HANSEL by Papageorgiou Vivian, fiction, 17′
21. ANAPAFSIS by Papagiannopoulos Dimitris, fiction, 17′
22. THE MEANING OF AUGUST by Papadakis Manos, fiction, 26′
23. MELATONIN by Pastras Nikos, fiction, 13′
24. BELLA by Petraki Thelyia, documentary, 24′
25. PREMIER AMOUR by Raftogiannis Haris, fiction, 15′
26. ANTIVIRUS by Sima Anastasia, fiction, 15′
27. HARMONICA MAN by Skouras Alexandros, fiction, 19′
28. THE WHEEL by Stefanakis Yannis, animation, 4′
29. QUALIA by Tatavlalis Thanasis, fiction, 17′
30. DEAR JOEL by Trouboukis Thanasis, documentary, 18′
31. ESCAPING THE FRAGILE PLANET by Tsimpinis Thanasis, fiction, 17′
32. ANTHOLOGY OF A BUTTERFLY by Charamountanis Kostis, experimental, 7′
33. THE MOUSE STORY by Christides Miltiades, fiction, 15′
34. THE CALL by Psaras Marios, fiction, 10′

The 43rd Drama Short Film Festival will also be conducted digitally

digitally

Everything you need to know about the platform

DISFF43  HYBRID EDITION 2020
Physical & Online Screenings!

The Drama Festival 2020 returns with relief to its natural environment, the movie theatre, and looks forward to welcoming its audience to the Alexandros Summer Cinema, Olympia and the Municipal Conservatory of Drama. At the same time, for the first time, a Drive-in will be set up next to the Krachtidis Stadium (the indoor gym of Drama).

However, given the new unprecedented conditions of the pandemic, the Drama Festival offers its audience, for the first time in its history, the opportunity to also watch online all of this year’s program through its new online platform, to which the official page of the Festival (https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/) leads by clicking on Online Festival.

ONLINE FESTIVAL

In detail:

    • For the first time, the online platform of the Drama Short Film Festival becomes available to the Greek public, and everyone, by just sending a single email, can create their personal account for FREE and watch the Festival online.
    • Users will have access to all the films participating in the festival (in all three competition programs), will be able to get to know the directors and their cast and, of course, to watch all the films (whichever they choose out of the 89 selections).
    • They will be able to vote for the best film for the Audience Award for all three competition programs of the Festival (only one vote is allowed, for each competition program, for each unique user).
    • They will be able to leave comments for each movie and interactively chat with other users (users’ emails are not displayed or shared with third parties).
    • They will be able to watch on live streaming the most important moments of the Festival, such as the opening-closing ceremonies, the award ceremony, speeches, masterclasses, etc., as well as the Pitching Lab that will be held online this year.
    • They will have the additional opportunity to watch selected animated films through the program “Greek animation. From education to professional short film production,” in the section Focus on Animation.
    • And, of course they will have access to the detailed program of the Festival which, for the first time, will be accessible to every Greek, from every corner of Greece, who wants to watch it.
digitally
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“It should be noted that for those users who live outside Greece, a special permit from the organizers is required, therefore, they should contact the Festival.”

More info:

info@dramafilmfestival.gr (Drama Festival Secretariat)
Drama office: tel. +30 25210 47575
Athens office: tel. +30 210 3300309

Pawel Pawlikowski in the jury of the International Competition at the 43rd Short Film Festival

Pawel Pawlikowski

The Drama Film Festival’s Artistic Director, Yannis Sakaridis, is delighted to announce that Oscar-winning Polish director Pawel Pawlikowski will be a member of the jury of the International Competition at the 43rd Short Film Festival.

Pawel Pawlikowski

Pawel Pawlikowski

The internationally acclaimed creator’s film “Ida” won the 2015 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, five European Film Academy Awards, one BAFTA and a Goya Award. His film “Cold War”, which premiered at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, won him the Best Director Prize. Amongst others, the film earned three nominations at the Academy Awards (Best Foreign Language Film, Best Achievement in Directing, and Best Achievement in Cinematography).

Our team is looking forward to welcoming him to the Festival.

The renowned director will take part in an open discussion on his last film, “Cold War”, moderated in Drama by cinematherapist Denise Nikolakou. The film serves as a springboard for the audience to understand the value and function of cinematherapy, and the manner in which we can process cinematic works in order to garner therapeutic elements. The Drama Film Festival is hosting this project for the first time, aiming to highlight the psychotherapeutic effect a film can have on the viewer.

THE JURIES

Pawel Pawlikowski will be accompanied in the International Competition’s jury by actress Themis Bazaka, director Lefteris Charitos, author Lena Divani, and director Stergios Paschos.

Pawel Pawlikowski

As previously announced, the Chairman of the National Competition jury is director Argyris Papadimitropoulos.
The other members are: Actor Yannis Stankoglou, set and costume designer Alexia Theodoraki, director Evi Kalogiropoulou, and actor Romanna Lobach.

Pawel Pawlikowski

In the newly-established International Student Competition, the jury consists of: Journalist Aleandros Diakosavvas, directing duo Lida Varzioti & Dimitris Tsakaleas, and screenwriter/director Alki Politi.

Pawel Pawlikowski

43rd DISFF AWARDS

This year we are announcing some changes to the Festival Awards:

As a tribute to beloved set and costume designer Ioulia Stavridou, who left us so unjustly, the Festival is naming a new award after her: Honorary Distinction for Costume Design “Ioulia Stavridou”.

Four new (monetary) prizes by the Greek Film Centre are added to the categories Golden Dionysos, screenplay, direction, and documentary.

Lastly, the “Dinos Katsouridis” award is reallocated to the International Student Competition to support participating Greeks and give incentive for their next project.

Specifically:

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Grand Prix
The award is accompanied by a prize of, 4,000 euro, offered by Raycap.

Award for Best Direction

Nomination EFA short films Awards 2020

Special award for Best ProductionTV5 MONDE

Best Southeastern European Film Award

Best Animation Film Award

#ThisisEU- European Values

FIPRESCI Award

“Human Values” Award of the Hellenic Parliament

Special Award “Environment & Climate Change”,
offered by “Cyclops”

*NATIONAL COMPETITION

Golden Dionysos 2020
The award is accompanied by the following cash prizes:
€4,000, offered by Finos Film
€3,000, offered by ERT
€2,000, offered by the Greek Film Centre

Tonia Marketaki Award for Best Director
The award is accompanied by:
Lab provisions and post production services to the value of €2,500, offered by Stefilm and a cash prize of €3,500, offered by the Greek Film Centre.

Documentary Award
The award is accompanied by:
A €1,000 cash prize offered by ERT
and €3,500 offered by the Greek Film Centre.

Best Screenplay Award
Accompanied by a cash prize of €3,500, offered by the Greek Film Centre.

Honorary Distinction for Costume Design “Ioulia Stavridou”
Accompanied by:
A cash prize of €2,500, offered by TRIANON Cinema and a sponsorship by the Greek fashion firm ENJOY, which will provide clothing for the costume designer’s next film.

Best Cinematography Honorary Distinction

Honorary Distinction for Actor in a Leading Role

Honorary Distinction for Actress in a Leading Role

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION

GRAND PRIX STUDENT: “Almost Famous”

Special Jury Award “Rising Star”

“Dinos Katsouridis” Award
Automatically awarded to Greek students in the competition, as incentive for their next project. Prize: Complete technical coverage of the production of their next film.

DRAMA PITCHING LAB

«PITCHING LAB» Finos Film Award
The Finos Film Award for best project is accompanied by a cash prize of €2,000.

«PITCHING LAB» Authorwave Award
Accompanied by post production services (DCP)

The 35 selected films for the International competition of the Festival in Drama

2,000 APPLICATIONS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

35 FILMS FROM 30 COUNTRIES TO BE SCREENED
THE SIX GREEK FILMS IN THE RUN

2,000 applications were received for the competition programme of the 43rd Drama Film Festival, in spite of the adverse conditions imposed internationally by the spread of the pandemic.

35 films from 30 countries were selected for screening, while, as International Competition Head Programmer Manolis Melissourgos points out, “for the first time there are six Greek films in the competition, and an additional one from Cyprus”, a fact that confirms the advanced level of this year’s local film production. Having watched more than 2,000 films from 90 countries, we have put together a program consisting of global premieres and award-winning films that take us on a journey around the world and demonstrate the authenticity of their creators. Films that exude a breath of freedom, with a wide array of topics, styles and approaches, invite us into the dark theatre with a wink”.

In another first, women creators outnumber their male colleagues. Out of all the participating directors, 19 are women, and 17 are men.

The six Greek films that are competing are:
As if underwater by Anthi Daoutaki, In her steps by Anastasia Kratidi, Τhe end of suffering (a proposal) by Jaqueline Lentzou, Goads by Iris Baglanea, Dive by Thimios Bakatakis and Premier Amour by Haris Raftogiannis (France, Greece).

The competing film from Cyprus is The Parrot Lady by Michalis Kalopaidis.

The Drama Film Festival is honored to present, in a national first, Thanasis Neofotistos’ new film, Route-3 (Bosnia, Greece), which will be screened out of competition.

43rd Competition Program

1. The name of the son by Martina Matzkin, Argentine
2. Manus by Angus McDonald, Australia
3. Favourites by Martin Monk, Austria
4. No place by Gabriel Amaral, Brazil
5. Under the same roof by Simeon Tsonchev, Bulgaria
6. In the dark by Mariano Franco, Canada
7. Microcassette – The smallest cassette I’ve ever seen by Igor Bezinovic & Ivana Pipal, Croatia, Serbia
8. The parrot lady by Michalis Kalopaidis, Cyprus
9. Song Sparrow by Farzaneh Omidvarnia, Denmark
10. Virago by Kerli Kirch Schneider, Estonia
11. Cameramen by Tristan Lhomme, France
12. Exhibition by Sylvia Borges, Germany
13. Girl meets boy by Ferdinand Arthuber, Germany
14. The jackpot by Alice von Gwinner, Germany
15. As if underwater by Anthi Daoutaki, Greece
16. Dive by Thimios Bakatakis, Greece
17. First love by Haris Raftogiannis, Greece, France
18. Goads by Iris Baglanea, Greece
19. In her steps by Anastasia Kratidi, Greece
20. The end of suffering (a proposal) by Jacqueline Lentzou, Greece
21. Chen Chen by Kargo Chen, Hong Kong
22. Wild Child by Ka Ki Wong, Hong Kong
23. Musician by Mohsen Mehri Darouei, Iran
24. A better you by Eamonn Murphy, Ireland
25. Mini DV by Shauly Melamed, Israel
26. My border, my forest by Giorgio Milocco, Italy
27. Barakat by Manon Nammour, Lebanon
28. Portrait of Suzanne by Izabela Plucinska, Poland
29. Minion by Anghel Damian, Romania
30. Consolation by Lina Asadulina, Russia
31. Movements by Dahee Jeong, South Korea
32. And she hisses by Monica Lek, Spain, USA
33. The wedding cake by Monica Mazzitelli, Sweden
34. Anna by Dekel Berenson, UK, Ukraine
35. Keep it quiet by Yaya, USA