Cinematherapy 2024

Programmer Introduction note – Cinematherapy

Cinematherapy is defined as the use of films to motivate and recognise emotions or to draw conclusions in the context of the psychotherapeutic process. Cinematherapy is in fact associated with the ancient art of storytelling as an educational tool. It can be used to encourage the audience to understand almost any subject matter, as cinema covers an extremely wide range of subjects.

This year’s programme is centred upon the theme of Human Relations, their fluidity and rearrangement in the 21st century, as well as the various forms that assemble their structure. More specifically, the discussions of this year’s Cinematherapy edition will revolve around the very structure of human relations during these past years, both on a personal and family level. To what extent have our relations been affected by the economic crisis, the pandemic, sociopolitical developments? In what ways are their form and our values being shaped in our days?

Denise Nikolakou – Integrative Psychotherapist

Cinematherapy 47^th edition:

As of the 43rd edition of DISFF in 2020, when it was first introduced to audiences, Cinematherapy is gaining more and more ground. This year spanning its 5th year of active presence, it is one of the most important programmes in the context of the festival’s actions.

Cinematherapy is the use of films to motivate and recognise emotions or draw conclusions in the context of the psychotherapeutic process. Cinematherapy is, in fact, associated with the ancient art of storytelling as an educational tool. It can be used to encourage the audience to understand almost any subject matter, as cinema covers an extremely wide range of topics.

Cinematherapy’s thematic axis for this year: “Healing Cinema”

In contemporary society, the notion of cinema as a healing power is being more and more relevant. We are becoming increasingly aware of the capacity of cinematic art to operate as a potent tool of healing and self-awareness, offering a unique potential for reflection and renewal. This year’s Cinematheraphy programme celebrates the healing power of cinema. Through the magic of the big screen, we explore processes of mental self-awareness, emotional release and recovery. From daily life to the deepest human experiences, Cinema opens windows to our hearts and souls, making room for emotional healing and internal regeneration. In this programme, we welcome any submission that ventures out to explore the affinity between films and mental well-being. We are looking forward to sharing this revelatory experience with you, as we empower our course in order to understand and demonstrate the medicinal properties of cinema.

Denise Nikolakou
Head Programmer
Integrative Psychotherapist

Thursday 5/9/2024 at 20:30 at ALEXANDROS open-air cinema

Ψtalk/ A Place in the Sun (1995) by Constantine Giannaris

Cinematherapy is delighted to launch its new action, Ψtalk, a series of panel discussions that combine the art of cinema with psychotherapy. We are particularly happy to host acclaimed director Constantine Giannaris in a unique talk about his film A Place in the Sun, during which we will have the opportunity to break down and probe into the film’s deeper meanings and psychological layers.

A few words about the film

A Place in the Sun adumbrates the life of immigrants in Greece, the challenges they need to tackle and their angst for a better future. Through the sensitive directorial gaze of Constantine Giannaris, the film invites us to see the world through the eyes of its characters and to understand their psychological burdens and hopes.

Panel aims:

• Character analysis: probing into character psychology and the protagonists’ development throughout the plot.
• Symbolisms and themes: examining the film’s central insights, such as immigration, identity and social isolation.
• Discussion with the filmmaker: Director Constantine Giannaris will share his thoughts and inspiration behind the film as well as his hands-on experience during filming, putting together a multidimensional approach to the film. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and actively engage in the discussion.

Denise Nikolakou, head programmer of Cinematherapy will coordinate and present the event.

Friday 6/09/2024 at 20:30 at ALEXANDROS summer cinema: screening of Vioma (2023, 19 min.) by Angel Saft

Summary:

A group of young people (Nikos Zeginoglou, Flomaria Papadaki) discuss traumas, life experiences, past and present troubles inside the confines of a therapy session. Each account takes them back to the setting of their pain, their worries, their broken dreams. As the stories delve deeper and deeper into the darker recesses of their souls, a modicum of light begins to appear. A feeling of hope, that they might not be in this alone.

The screening will be followed by discussion with the film’s creatives.

Saturday 7/9/2024 at 20:30 at ALEXANDROS open-air cinema: screening of Skeleton Tree (17’, 2023) by Haris Zalavras

Summary:

A man (Alexandros Logothetis), a decision, a half-cooked meal and the conviction that

some things are so insignificant but also oddly bitter and funny.

The screening will be followed by discussion with the film’s creatives.

The programme prompts spectators to engage with such themes as memory, a reckoning with time, personal development, and self-consciousness. Each film adopts a different visual style and specific approach that invites audiences to ponder and discuss the problematics and solutions proposed on screen. In this manner, Cinematherapy DISFF 2024 celebrates the idea that cinema is not only about entertainment but can also become a powerful tool for the development and healing of the human soul. Welcome to Cinematherapy DISFF 2024, a journey that combines the art of cinema with self-exploration and the empowerment of our mental well-being.