National Competition 2023

35 films, directed by 26 men and 13 women, participate in the National Competition Program.

As Yannis Sakaridis points out: “Short film directors stand out for their creative flair, their sensitivity in reaching out to audiences and their ability to transmit a wealth of experiences and emotions within the span of a few minutes.

Short films enable filmmakers to delve into profoundly significant topics which they go on to crystallise into solid and poignant scripts. Directing a short is a clear challenge as filmmakers are required to pick those moments that can best carry the weight of the story.

Directing a short film requires precision and narrative economy.

In the words of my predecessor, Antonis Papadopoulos, also a director, a short film is an “instant-return project”. It is a film that can be made within a short time, yet it encapsulates the social, economic and intellectual conditions of an entire country, turning the DISFF big screen into a mirror of society, sometimes realistically and other times in a lyrical way.

This year, we have watched films probing deep into psychological and social issues, calling attention to solitude, abandonment, abuse, toxic masculinity. Exploration of sexuality and sexism take up a good part of this edition’s choice of themes, even as problematic family relations, separation and mourning management are seen to inspire yet again the creatives of shorts. The variety of films includes superb comedies, experimental shorts and robust documentaries.

DISFF is now an Oscar® qualifying festival, therefore the winners of the National Competition programme become eligible for an Academy Award nomination.

We are hopeful that this year too the festival will give new wings to Greek cinema and become a source of positive energy”.

Yannis Sakaridis
Film Director & DISFF Artistic Director