46^th Drama International Short Film Festival Awards

NATIONAL COMPETITION PROGRAMME AWARDS 2023

JURY

Lefteris Charitos (President), director, Alexia Roider, artistic director of the Cyprus Short Film Festival, Menos Deliotzakis, director, Alexandra Matthaiou, director/screenwriter, and Asimina Proedrou, director/screenwriter.

GOLDEN DIONYSUS – BEST FILM AWARD

to the film ‘Bearcave’, directed by Krysianna Papadakis and Stergios Dinopoulos

An independent film that stole our hearts by managing to touch upon important issues while remaining penetrating, authentic, and brave. Breaking away from the stereotypical documentations of rural Greece in a way we rarely see in Greek cinema, the film’s creators placed a big bet and won. A film full of daring stylistic contradictions, natural performances, and character complexity, whose two heroines keep us on our toes, despite the film’s long duration. Up until the credits roll, emotion is prevalent, through the reminder that cinema has always needed and will always need real and deeply human stories.

The award is accompanied by the following prizes: Finos Film offers a prize of 4,000 euro, the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) offers a prize of 3,000 euro, and the Greek Film Centre offers a prize of 2,500 euro.

SILVER DIONYSUS – “TONIA MARKETAKI” BEST DIRECTION AWARD

to Alexis Koukias-Pantelis, for the film ‘Aerolin’

For his exceptional guidance of the main actress, the tight rhythm and all other elements which effortlessly compose this film, we singled out a film which conveyed successfully and humorously the heroine’s struggle to survive in a modern urban environment, presenting on the big screen a character who ultimately represents a whole generation.

The award is accompanied by a prize of 3,500 euro offered by the Greek Film Centre, as well as by Post Production services worth 2,500 euro offered by Stefilm, original music composition for the creator’s next project offered by the company Musou, a Crew United Pass, and a 5-year free Premium Member subscription on Crew United’s platform.

DOCUMENTARY AWARD

to the film ‘Light of Light’, directed by Neritan Zinxhiria

By composing a deeply sacramental world through the use of archive material and daring cinematic choices, the director converses with the past, the present and the future, and expands time. We selected a deeply poetic and existential film for this award.

The award is accompanied by a 3,500-euro prize offered by the Greek Film Centre and a 1,000-euro prize offered by the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT).

BEST SCRIPT AWARD

to Michalis Mathoudiakis and Alexis Koukias-Pantelis for the film ‘Aerolin’, directed by Alexis Koukias-Pantelis

A script which handles the short film form masterfully and economically, while remaining consistent to the tone and dramatic development of its heroine.

The award is accompanied by a prize of 3,500 euro, offered by the Greek Film Centre.

DRAMA QUEER AWARD

to the film ‘Buffer Zone’, directed by Savvas Stavrou

The film reminded us that, beyond any man-made or other border, love will always prevail as the ultimate affirmation of life and hope.

The award is accompanied by a cash prize of 2,000 euro, offered by Onassis Culture.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD

to the film ‘The first setting sun of summer’, directed by Asteris Tziolas

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE AWARD

to Andreas Markou, for his performance in the film ‘Buffer Zone’, directed by Savvas Stavrou

We decided to present this award to a young actor who managed to convey the hero’s struggle in a sensitive, natural, and innocent way, in stark contrast to the toxic masculinity environment which surrounds him.

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE AWARD

to Chara Kyriazi, for her performance in the film ‘Bearcave’, directed by Stergios Dinopoulos

To the actress that moved us with a refreshingly authentic and realistic performance. Through a personal and austere performance, the actress makes us privy to the emotional state of a heroine who, even when remaining silent, manages to tell us everything.

BEST SOUND DESIGN AWARD

to Panagiotis Papagiannopoulos and Stelios Koupetoris for the film ‘Midnight Skin’, directed by Manolis Mavris

For the atmospheric building of an idiosyncratic dystopia which follows the viewer around throughout the duration of the film.

BEST SOUND AWARD

to Nikos Konstantinou for the film ‘Unorthodox’, directed by Konstantinos Antonopoulos

For its integral sound engineering in a highly demanding natural environment.

Sound design services and 5.1 surround mixing by Costas Chrysogelos & DIAL

BEST EDITING AWARD

to Marios Kleftakis, for the film ‘Arizones’, directed by Giorgos Iliopoulos

For its skilled, thorough, delicate and precise editing, which, through its paced rhythm manages to immerse the viewer into the hero’s subjective world.

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD

to Manu Tilinski for the film ‘Midnight Skin’, directed by Manolis Mavris

High quality photography, both aesthetically and technically intact, which showcases the director’s particular aesthetic in every frame, and takes the viewer on a journey through a world which tiptoes between the realistic, the metaphysical, the dreamlike, and the subconscious.

The award is accompanied by a Crew United Pass, and a 5-year Premium Member membership on Crew United’s platform.

ORIGINAL MUSIC AWARD

to Petros Sotiropoulos & The Aqua Barons for the film ‘Crossing’, directed by Aineias Tsamatis and Katerina Mavrogeorgi

For its distinct identity which plays a decisive part in the film’s universe.

“IOULIA STAVRIDOU” COSTUME AWARD

to Rectifier + Tzo for the film ‘Good Girls Club: A Virginity Odyssey’, directed by Lida Vartzioti and Dimitris Tsakaleas

For imaginatively combining the element of kitsch with the freshness of pop aesthetic, through a variety of outfit choices.

SET DESIGN AWARD

to Artemis Flessa for the film ‘Crossing’, directed by Aineias Tsamatis and Katerina Mavrogeorgi

For the excellent construction of a set which defines the film’s world in full and organic connection with the natural environment.

The award is accompanied by a Crew United Pass, and a 5-year free Premium Member membership on Crew United’s platform.

SPECIAL EFFECTS AWARD

to Kameleon Studio (Prosthetics) Morgan Hildebrand / Aurelia Monnier, for the film ‘Midnight Skin’, directed by Manolis Mavris

For the impressively masterful design of the film’s special effects, which are incorporated naturally in the transcendental universe of the film.

MAKE-UP AND HAIR STYLING AWARD

to Elina Trantou, for the film ‘Good Girls Club: A Virginity Odyssey’, directed by Lida Vartzioti and Dimitris Tsakaleas

For the consistency which is used to serve the overall aesthetic of the film.

JURY REASONING

Another festival reaches its end; a week full of films, with both new and seasoned filmmakers gathering in the welcoming city of Drama, and, most of all, with cinemas full to capacity for every screening.

At the same time that Yorgos Lanthimos is honoured with the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival and Drama celebrates the short film form, our country is drowning from end to end and sees people use senseless and shocking violence against their fellow man. When we consider all these happenings, we cannot be celebrating anything.

However, Art exists to bring us face to face with darkness and to ultimately lead us towards the light. And this is what the 35 films competing in the National Competition Programme did, in the midst of all this devastation.

The Jury of the National Competition Programme of the 46th Drama International Short Film Festival considers it its obligation to highlight certain positive elements, as well as certain problematic aspects.

Let us start with the positives.

We were happy to note a plethora of subjects being addressed this year: Human relationships, childhood, the multiple forms of violence, the coming-of-age process, life in rural Greece, and many others. We watched noteworthy first filmmaking attempts by new artists, as well as works by seasoned creators of the Festival. This goes to show that short film can function as a standalone category and is not necessarily, as it was previously thought, a mere first step towards feature film.

Furthermore, we saw many remarkable independent productions. This demonstrates the persistence of creators who will not wait for State aid in order to make their films. Despite the fact that the Greek Film Centre and the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation consistently support the creation of short films, independent production is intensified and firmly shows that there is an alternative way.

Finally, we saw in improvement in both the artistic and the technical quality of production. Watching the beautiful short film of this year’s Festival, created by Artistic Director Yannis Sakaridis, we can see that quality is on a steady upward course. One can no longer discern a short film just by a still. Furthermore, the quality of costume, set, and sound design all function to masterfully serve the script.

In an effort to provide constructive criticism to new creators, we feel the need to mention a few points of concern.

Judging by the level of this year’s film selection, we would like to encourage creators to experiment with more film genres and techniques. Additionally, with narrative films constituting the greater part of the selection, we suggest that creators further develop the dramaturgy, explore character depth, and incorporate authenticity and time economy, elements which will all lead to a more effective management of the short film form.

With this year’s achievement of inclusion in the list for the Oscars nominations, the Drama International Short Film Festival seems to be becoming one of the most important festivals in the world. This brings all of us participants face to face with a process of constant maturing, which cannot be overlooked. I am particularly happy that I shared the jury duty with many prominent and unique colleagues, and we all enjoyed talking passionately about film during the days of the Festival.

I would like to personally thank the Festival’s Artistic Director Yannis Sakaridis, who honoured me with the position of Jury President, and to also wish that this institution will continue to grow and mature, as the years go by.

Lefteris Charitos, director
President of the Jury of the National Competition Programme 2023

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION PROGRAMME 2023 AWARDS

JURY

Eva Stefani (President), director, Philip Ilson, Artistic Director of the London Film Festival, Marie-Pauline Mollaret, head of the short film selection at the Cannes Film Festival, cinema critic

GRAND PRIX 2023

to the film ‘AQUERONTE’, directed by Manuel Muñoz Rivas from Spain

A film which presents the rare qualities of purely visual cinema: clarity, spirituality, the ability to perceive reality with eyes both open and closed, paired with masterful sound design. The film is also a reminder of the power of water, a force of the earth which can be equally vital and destructive, as we have witnessed in our country recently.

The award is accompanied by a 4,000-euro prize, offered by the company Raycap.

BEST DIRECTION AWARD

to the film ‘THE OPEN HOUSE’, directed by Julieta Lasarte from Spain

Through archival material and family footage, the film offers a masterfully executed cinematic vision, while simultaneously maintaining a discreet approach to issues of personal memory, trauma, and loss. At the same time, the film is a discreet celebration of life.

BEST SOUTHEASTERN EUROPEAN FILM AWARD

to the film ‘UNORTHODOX’, directed by Konstantinos Antonopoulos from Greece

A black comedic approach to history, which pokes fun on family and religion, making the viewer simultaneously laugh and question, through a clever undermining of these institutions.

BEST PRODUCTION AWARD “TV5 MONDE”

to the Ajabu Ajabu collective, for the film ‘APOSTLES OF CINEMA’ from Tanzania

We absolutely love this ode to the power of collective and popular cinema. The way people meet to experience strong images on the big screen and talk excitedly about everything they watched is what brings all of us here in Drama. At the same time, it is equally important to see this experience in the cities and villages of Tanzania, where the DJs breathe life into a film and the ‘bandas’ invite the communities to share into the magic of cinema.

GRAND AWARD OF THE JURY

to the film ‘MIDNIGHT SKIN’, directed by Manolis Mavris from Greece

A film that astounds us with its masterful use of set design and photography direction. An ambitious and sophisticated film that depicts the tendency of dreams to progressively corrupt reality, exposing the desire hidden beneath the surface of habit.

EFA CANDIDACY DRAMA – European Film Academy Award Nomination for Best Short Film

To the film AQUERONTE, directed by Manuel Muñoz Rivas.  M astounds us with its masterful use of set design and photography direction.

The power of the image and the importance of sound are perfectly aligned in a film that confidently observes with a spiritual eye. Time and space is blurred as we see a myriad of people in this mysterious landscape framed by a misty early morning and across day and night as they silently travel to an unknown destiny.

SPECIAL MENTION

to Ian Capille for the film ‘THE RIVER AND THE LABYRINTH’ from Portugal and Brazil

A story about friendships and relationships which were lost and found again unfolds through the recollections of two young Brazilian women living in Lisbon. The film eavesdrops on their personal conversations and spies on their private and special moments, in order to paint a moving portrait of the life of young people today.

SPECIAL MENTION

to the film ‘THE AGE OF INNOCENCE’ by Maximilian Bungarten from Germany

We would like to showcase a film which constantly surprised us with its unique narration and extremely personal tone.

NATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION PROGRAMME AWARDS 2023

JURY

Kyriakos Aggelakos (President), director/producer/screenwriter, Ilektra Venaki, monteuse, head of the Film Restoration Laboratory of the Greek Film Archive Foundation, Maria Komninou, President of the Board of the National Film Archive of Greece, Emeritus Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lecturer in the Cultural and Cinema Studies Postgraduate Programme

“Frida Liappa” Best Greek Student Film Award

to the film ‘The Parade’, directed by Michalis Galanopoulos

A coming-of-age film set in modern-day Athens, which showcases the social issue of racism and the contradictory manifestations of youth culture, through its excellent writing which manages to convey pure emotion.

The award is accompanied by a 5,000-euro prize.

The award is also accompanied by provisions for laboratory and post-production activities, offered by the company Stefilm for the director’s next film.

BEST DIRECTION AWARD

to Nikos Kolioukos, for the film ‘The Chaos She Left Behind’

For its sturdy handling of the subject of father-daughter relationships, the exquisite direction of the actors, the wonderfully claustrophobic movement of the camera, the avoidance of stereotypes and the showcasing of a humanistic attitude towards the depiction of the heroes.

The award is accompanied by a prize of 3,000 euro, sponsored by Michael Bodouroglou, as well as by a six-month contract for a paid internship at the company Green Pixel.

SCREENPLAY AWARD

to Nina Alexandraki for the film ‘A Diary of Sexual Solitude’, directed by Nina Alexandraki

For its exceptional structure, the escalation of the narration, and its daring and humorous confessions, elements which are all combined with the moving image that both cancels and complements the confessions about the female orgasm.

The award is accompanied by a 1,500-euro prize, offered by the ANT1 Screenplay School.

“DINOS KATSOURIDIS” PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD

to Giorgos Karavoulias, for the film ‘How to Light a Cigarette Without Burning Yourself’, directed by Konstantinos Spanoudakis

For his exemplary use of lighting, particularly during the sex scenes, which highlight the power of the flesh, as well as for the correct combination of natural and artificial lighting.

The award is accompanied by full technical coverage for the production of the photographer’s next film, courtesy of the Katsouridis family.

The award is also accompanied by a six-month contract for a paid internship at the Green Pixel company.

EDITING AWARD

to Antoine Flahaut, for the film ‘The Parade’, directed by Michalis Galanopoulos

For the exceptional rhythm which harmoniously combines various characters and situations, in order to primarily highlight the emotion which stems from the story itself and creates an almost erotic flow to the filmic event.

The company Green Pixel makes their award-winning editing suite available for the winner’s next film.

The company Telmaco offers its award-winning film and video editing software Avid Media Composer, provided by Avid Technology.

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE AWARD

to Fabricio Muco for the film ‘Greenhouse’, directed by George Georgakopoulos

For its immediacy, sensitivity, and physicality, which are all conveyed in every single scene of the film.

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE AWARD

to Marina Siotou for the film ‘The Chaos She Left Behind’, directed by Nikos Kolioukos

For its inwardness which works to transform anger into tenderness, as well as for the actress’s full control of her expressive means.

DOCUMENTARY AWARD

to Dimitris Kechris for the film ‘Athens, My Love’

For its extremely personal gaze realised via the form of an essay documentary, and for its reflection on the modern history of Athens, where the defeated past demands justice.

The award is accompanied by a 3,000-euro prize, sponsored by Michalis Bodouroglou.

SET DESIGN AWARD

to Anastasia Mastrakouli, for the film ‘The Little Doggie’, directed by Giorgos Ntounis

For its consistent and creative curation of elements showcasing the complexity of different countries, through a comprehensive, consistent, and attentive to detail aesthetic.

The award is accompanied by a six-month contract for a paid internship at the Green Pixel company.

SOUND DESIGN AWARD

to Massimo Del Gaudio for the film ‘The Parade’, directed by Michalis Galanopoulos

For its complexity and masterful use of the sound band, which allows the co-existence of multiple stories and places both within and outside the frame, and which creates a rich audio world which enfolds the heroes, the places, the situations, and the viewers.

The award is accompanied by a six-month contract for a paid internship at Green Pixel.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION AWARDS 2023

JURY

Florian Fernandez-Canto, coordinator of the Cannes Court Metrage Rendez-Vous industry, Anne Gaschutz, artistic director of the Film Festival in Dresden, Thanos Tokakis, director, actor

GRAND PRIX STUDENT: Almost Famous

to the film ‘Klette’ by Michael Abay from Belgium

Achieving a delicate balance between youthful carefreeness and harsh reality, this coming-of-age film invades a seemingly carefree yet actually harsh life, with a penetrative gaze. For its powerful narration which makes us privy to the unbearable pressure of achieving success in the future, as well as for the exceptional portrayal by the main actress.

The film is accompanied by a 1,500-euro cash prize, offered by Metropolitan College.

Queer Student Award “ Loud & Proud”

to the film ‘Kokuryo: The Untold Story of bb. Undas 2019’ by Diokko Manuel Dionisio from the Philippines

For its raw approach to storytelling, lovingly portrayed characters and quick-witted humour. Friendship and loyalty are tested in this tale of two queer protagonists who venture into the night after a beauty pageant gone awry. Meandering between the farcical and hard-hitting reality, this film uses the element of the absurd to highlight the trials and discrimination transgender people face on a daily basis.

Special Jury Award “Rising Star”

to the film ‘PHALÈNE’ by Sarah–Anaïs Desbenoit from France

Through a particularly delicate aesthetic, and without being focused on the narration, this short stands out as a call for tenderness and care in a world stuck in repetition. When replicating gestures becomes a way of subjugation and leads to servitude, there is no other choice than to question if the latent calmness isn’t hiding the enslavement of the women we witness in this polished setup.

DISTRIBUTION AWARD

to the film ‘Sea Urchin’ by Alex Scholz from Greece

The Distribution Award is sponsored by Radiator IP Sales, and is presented to a Greek film of the programme. The award offers representation for the development of a comprehensive commercial strategy targeting buyers abroad (TV stations and platforms).

SHORT AND GREEN AWARDS 2023

JURY

Yorgos Gousis (President), director, Sofia Stavrianidou, director of the Greek Film Festival Berlin, Natasa Christia, curator, journalist, and educator in the field of artistic photography.

DRAMA GREEN AWARD

to the film ‘SEAGULLS SCREAM ON THE WEEKEND’, directed by Maria Stuut and Frederik Stuut from the Netherlands

The Drama Green Award is presented to a film that managed to successfully present a scientific research project with a poetic and cinematic gaze, through fictionally elevating a documentary-making convention in a soft, humorous, and emotional manner.

The award is accompanied by a 4,000-euro prize, offered by CYCLOPS AMKE

SPECIAL JURY AWARD

to the film ‘TIME TO LIVE’, directed by Hawar Rahimi

Production: Iraqi Kurdistan, Islamic Republic of Iran

The Special Jury Award is presented to a film that, by focusing initially on a rural woman performing caregiving duties, manages to turn our gaze to the primordial and equal symbiosis of man and animal.

INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION PROGRAMME 2023 AWARDS

JURY

Jutta Wille, director of AGKurzFilm, producer, Alekos Papadatos, animator/director, Anthi Samartzidou, illustrator

BEST ANIMATION FILM – ASIFA HELLAS YANNIS VASILEIADIS AWARD

To Alec Green and Finbar Watson for the film ‘TEACUPS’

The jury believes that this film combines a high artistic quality and an elevated production level with the element of compassion to the human soul, conveying, thus, its message masterfully and successfully. The directors do not try to manipulate the feelings of the audience by using the protagonist’s traumatic experience, but rather prefer to showcase his decision to act in this very personal way. The choice to employ animation to depict this non-fictional subject, as well as the use of the voice of the particular narrator, both contribute to the plausibility and perceptibility of the film. We particularly appreciate the directors, who managed to find the appropriate imagery to depict the thoughts and actions of the protagonist, which do not render exclusively the things described by the narrator.

The award includes a one-year free membership at ASIFA HELLAS, with the full privileges of a registered member (information, visibility, participation in animation extroversion missions at international forums and festivals, etc).

SPECIAL JURY AWARD

to the film ‘The Tornado Outside’, directed by Maria Tomazou

Production: United Kingdom

A film that masterfully combines artistic quality and integrity in terms of production. The film relays its story with skill, humour, and intelligence. Many films of the animation programme have touched upon the notion of the fragility of the human soul, as we live in a chaotic, unknown, unbalanced and even evil world. The particular quality of this film hides in the compassion with which it approaches this difficult idea. On the one hand, it helps the viewer playfully connect with the problems and concerns of the protagonist, while on the other, it restores the feelings of safety, certainty, and balance through the course of the story, resulting in a relieving catharsis. We believe it to be a deeply human and emotional film.

KIDDO AWARDS 2023

Jury

*The jury of the KIDDO Programme is composed by children and teenagers between the ages of 11-18:

Petros Georgiadis, Tatiana Mavridou, Anna Panagiotopoulou, Christos Sapanidis, Vasiliki Stefanidou

BEST KIDDO FILM

to the film ‘Crab Day’ by Ross Stringer from the United Kingdom

A film that emotionally combines a simple artistic style with a straightforward yet deep meaning. The conception of the film shows us that we don’t need to follow the wrong ideas of a society in order to fit in. Instead, one must love and strive to be the best version of themselves. Love and compassion can transform us all into something good.

SPECIAL MENTION

to the film ‘Ativio, Pieces of Wood’ by Juliette Boucheny from France and Togo

A film that renders its story with creativity, tenderness, humour, and emotion. The conception of this film shows us that we all naturally have an inner guide in our hearts, which protects us and helps us find ourselves. The support children get from people in their lives gives them the hope and encouragement to follow their dreams.

DRAMA PITCHING LAB AWARDS 2023

We are delighted to be here for the tenth year in a row, and we have had the pleasure to once again welcome participants from all around the world, who felt it important to visit the festival taking place in this small city of Greece; this city which, thanks to this institution, has become so large, that it can embrace many different ideas, concerns, images, and talents from many different countries.

For our small team, comprised by myself, Georgina Kakoudaki, and John Stevens, the yearly reception of applications by new artists from all around the world is always a lesson; by receiving approximately 120 film drafts, we instantly get a taste of how the rest of the world is thinking at that moment. These are the themes we discovered this year: anxiety about survival, about people, cities, and the entire planet. We saw places we barely know, where people struggle to survive, something that we, the members of the privileged white race, cannot even imagine. We saw films that touched on subjects like trauma and memory of the past, personal and collective stories, compassion, reconciliation, and, ultimately, the highly coveted healing.

This is why we firmly believe that our workshop at the Pitching Lab is not only useful for the preparation of adequate drafts which will succeed in getting funding, but also for showcasing good ideas, so that they can be made into great films.

Barbara Douka

FINOS FILM AWARD

to the project ‘The Station’ by Isidoros Rostadakis from Greece.
The award is accompanied by a 2,000-euro prize offered by FINOS FILM.

GREEK FILM CENTRE AWARD

Best Pitching for Development

to the film ‘My Tears, a Sea for Jakarta to Sink’, by Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto from Indonesia

The award is accompanied by a 2,000-euro prize offered by the Greek Film Centre.

STATHIS PARASKEVOPOULOS AWARD

to the film ‘Heaven on Earth’ by Martin Vallejos from Chile

and to the film ‘The Blind Man at the End of the World’ by Jake Muñoz Consing from the Philippines

The awards are accompanied by sessions for the further development and correction of scripts for selected drafts.

Wishing to honour the memory of our dear colleague and mentor Stathis Paraskevopoulos, the Drama International Short Film Festival and the Pitching Lab team have decided to rename the guidance and mentorship awards, so that they will bear his name: These are the Stathis Paraskevopoulos Awards.

“HUMAN VALUES” AWARD BY THE HELLENIC PARLIAMENT

to the film ‘Aqueronte’ by Manuel Muñoz Rivas from Spain

An exceptional cinematic allegory about life and death, inspired by Greek mythology.

The Hellenic Parliament presents the “Human Values” award to a film from the International Competition Programme.

The award is accompanied by a 1,500-euro prize, offered by the Hellenic Parliament.

DEVELOPMENT AWARD (ONASSIS FILM DEVELOPMENT GRANT)

to the film ‘Super’ by Nikolas Kouloglou from Greece

The Onassis Award is presented to a film that touches upon the themes of chemistry, love, and the decay of human relationships in a modern world where everything is expendable, through a spontaneous, daring, and honest approach.

The award is accompanied by a prize of 10,000 euro for the development of the director’s first feature film.

FILM SOCIETIES AWARDS 2023

Greek Society of Cinematographers (G.S.C.)

GSC 2023 Merit

to Sotiris Tzatzakis for the film ‘The First Setting Sun of Summer’, directed by Asteris Tziolas

For its exceptional image, which remained consistently focused on the particular needs of the film’s script.

Jury

Giorgos Valsamis, Konstantinos Koukoulios, Giorgos Frentzos

REASONING

The Greek Society of Cinematographers is happy to be part of the National Competition Programme of the Drama International Short Film Festival for yet another year. We are following the development of visual narration in cinema with great interest, and particularly in festivals like the Drama International Short Film Festival, where both prominent and experienced colleagues are participating, as well as many new creators. And, once again this year, we are presenting our Best Filmmaking Award to a new creator.

The lens captures the warm light of summer, the rays and shadows of the sun, the vivid colours. It follows the film’s protagonists, the children, in their games both by the sea and inside it. Thanks to the use of the 4:3 frame, we experience nostalgia through the imagery and we travel back to a time of carefree childhood.

The award of the GSC is accompanied by a 2,000-euro prize, offered by the AN-MAP Film Lab image editing laboratory, for Colour Correction and DCP services to be used in the award-winning filmmaker’s next film.

Greek Union of Film, Television and Audiovisual Technicians

“Technical Integrity” Award

to Mary Kolonia for the film ‘The Armchair on the Pavement”

For accomplishing a functionally structured result derived from the whole set of cinematic specialties.

Greek Film Critics Association Award

to the film ‘Crossing’ by Aineias Tsamatis and Katerina Mavrogeorgi

For its tender depiction of the co-existence of two incompatible characters, which is abruptly interrupted by unexpected love and the inevitability of death.

The Greek Film Critics Association is always present at the Drama International Short Film Festival, which is the most important institution for the promotion of new creators in our country. In the body of the 35 films competing in this year’s National Competition Programme, this one stood out for us.

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FILM CRITICS (FIPRESCI) AWARD

to the film ‘The Silence of the Banana Trees’ By Eneos Carka

Production: Hungary, Portugal, Albania, Belgium

For its sensitive approach and its composition of observations (through the camera) and documentations of a real-life story. The power of love and familial bonds brings people together, even when they are far apart.

FEDERATION OF CINEMATIC CLUBS OF GREECE (OKLE) AWARD

to the film ‘Aerolin’, directed by Alexis Koukias-Pantelis

For its textured and realistic depiction of a young artist’s everyday struggle to survive. Her stressful, daily battle in adverse and suffocating conditions is recorded through a dynamic narration and an intense and flowing pace, and the film is elevated through the main actress’s expressive performance.

AUDIENCE AWARD 2023

to the film ‘A Piece of Liberty’, directed by Antigoni Kapaka