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DISFF#47 -2024 Closing Ceremony, Awards

DISFF#47 -2024 Closing Ceremony, Awards

NATIONAL COMPETITION PROGRAMME AWARDS 2024

JURY:

  • Achilleas Kyriakides, writer, translator, film critic, director (President)
  • Eirini Vachlioti, director
  • Alexis Vassiliou, artist, Chief Executive of Rialto Theater
  • Leda Galanou, film critic, co-owner of flix.gr
  • Marina Siotou, actress

Head Programmer:
Yannis Sakaridis 

JURY REASONING
As 47th Drama International Short Film Festival reaches its end, we would like to once again thank the organization of the Festival and the artistic director, Yannis Sakaridis for selecting us for the National Competition Programme jury. We also want to thank the 27 creative voices for the films they gave us the opportunity to watch.

The films contained technical mastery, great narrative skills, and modern themes that discuss crucial matters of our time, such as inclusion, gender, familial relationships, teenage concerns, loss, violence, and above all, love.

However, we would have been happier to see more documentaries included.

Finally, we wish that the problems within Greek cinema that stem this creative flow, that has featured modern Greek cinema as Greece’s main export product, be resolved as soon as possible.

AWARDS

GOLDEN DIONYSUS – BEST FILM AWARD
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. The awarded film automatically gets the coveted ‘ticket’ to participating in the Oscars® selection process.

The finalists were: Dimitris Moutsiakas with the film ‘Gekas’, Alki Papastathopoulos with ‘Honeymoon’, Alexandros Skouras with ‘Halcyon Days’, and Yiorgos Fourtounis with ‘MJ’.

The awards goes to Dimitris Moutsiakas for the film Gekas.

For its masterful, penetrative and firm insight that discusses the ever-relevant issue of toxic masculinity and the vicious cycle of violence.

SILVER DIONYSUS – “TONIA MARKETAKI” BEST DIRECTION AWARD
The award is accompanied by a prize of 3,500 euro offered by the Greek Film Centre and 1,000 euro by the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), 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.

The finalists were: Despina Kourti with the film ‘Numb’, Dimitris Moutsiakas with ‘Gekas’, Iris Baglanea with ‘Zange’, Alki Papastathopoulos with ‘Honeymoon’, Alexandros Skouras with ‘Halcyon Days’ and Yiorgos Fourtounis with ‘MJ’.

The awards goes to Yiorgos Fourtounis for the film MJ.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD
To Alki Papastathopoulos for the film Honeymoon

For its tender depiction of love that always wins. It may have no identity, but it always has truth.

DOCUMENTARY 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).

To Alcaeus Spyrou for the film Pave Paradise

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

The finalists were: Stefanos Koutsardakis with the film ‘Golden Fingers’, Dimitris Moutsiakas with ‘Gekas’, Alki Papastathopoulos with ‘Honeymoon’, Alexandros Skouras with ‘Halcyon Days’, and Yiorgos Fourtounis with ‘MJ’.

The award goes to Dimitris Moutsiakas for the film Gekas

DRAMA QUEER AWARD
To Alki Papastathopoulos for the film Honeymoon

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE AWARD
The finalists were: Mary Petrouliou for the film ‘Honeymoon’, Mariam Rouhaje for ‘Halcyon Days’, Evi Saoulidou for ‘Treadmill’, and Nasia Sydeta for ‘Honeymoon’.

The award goes to Nasia Sydeta for her performance in the film Honeymoon  by Alki Papastathopoulos.

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE AWARD
The finalists were: Nikos Yeorgakis for the film ‘Gekas’, Pavlos Iordanopoulos for ‘Halcyon Days’, Yiorgos Katsis for ‘MJ’, and Pavlos Lagos for ‘Gekas’.

The award goes to Yiorgos Katsis for his performance in the film MJ by Yiorgos Fourtounis

BEST SOUND DESIGN AWARD
To Petar Mrdjen for the film Zange by Iris Baglanea

BEST SOUND AWARD
The award goes to Alexis Koukias for the film Zange by Iris Baglanea

BEST EDITING AWARD
The award is accompanied by the prize of film and video editing software, Avid Media Composer by Avid Technology, provided by Telmaco.

To Dimitris Polyzos for the film Halcyon Days by Alexandros Skouras

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

To Yiorgos Karvelas for the film Gekas by Dimitris Moutsiakas

ORIGINAL MUSIC AWARD
To Marilena Orfanou for the film Pigeons are Dying, When the City is on Fire by Stavros Markoulakis

“IOULIA STAVRIDOU” COSTUME AWARD
To Marli Aliferi for the film MJ by Yiorgos Fourtounis

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

To Konstantinos Skourletis for the film MJ by Yiorgos Fourtounis

SPECIAL EFFECTS AWARD
To Kostas Dimitropoulos andFelix Augustin Greisinger for the film  Zange by Iris Baglaena

MAKE-UP AND HAIR STYLING AWARD
To Ioanna Lygizou for the film MJ by Yiorgos Fourtounis

SPECIAL MENTION
To little Sarantis Karagiannis from the film Golden Fingers by Fivos Kontogiannis

ONASSIS CULTURE AWARD
Onassis Culture, with a separate jury, offers two awards to films from the National Competition Programme. Each award is accompanied by a 5,000 euro prize for the development of the creator’s next film.

The Onassis Film Award goes to the film Numb by Despina Kourti, for a wholesome coming-of-age story that is built on simplicity, through its silence and its gazes.

The Onassis Film Award goes to the film Honeymoon by Alki Papastathopoulos, a film with prowess, honesty, and strong performances.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION PROGRAMME 2024 AWARDS

JURY

  • Yorgos Mavropsoridis, film editor (President)
  • Laurent Crouzeix , Executive team of the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival and Short Film Market
  • Athena Xenidou, director, producer

Head Programmer:
Yorgos Zois

JURY REASONING

The International Jury wishes to thank the organization of the 47th Drama ISFF and all the filmmakers in the International Competition for a vibrant edition.

We were given the chance to watch a carefully curated selection of strong filmmaking voices from across the world.

The films we watched all deserve recognition for their undeniable individual qualities.

As a jury we are pleased to present a list of awards that came through unanimous decision, to some particularly outstanding films that touched us in more than one way.

AWARDS

Grand Prix Drama 2024
The award is accompanied by a 4,000-euro prize, offered by the company Raycap. The film that receives this award automatically gets the coveted ‘ticket’ to participating in the Oscars® selection process.

Boucan (Clamor), Salomé Da Souza (France)

Clamor vividly captures the tumultuous, intimate journey of a young woman and her cousin, within a local community that lives by strong social, cultural codes. The film breathes with life, showing impressive, organic filmmaking and acting qualities.

EFA CANDIDACY DRAMA 2024 – European Film Academy Award Nomination for Best Short Film
The Distance Between Us, Léo Fontaine (France)

For its compelling depiction of resilience and maternal love in the face of adversity. Yalla’s urgent journey, marked by her determination and vulnerability, unfolds against a backdrop of a city, symbolizing both the isolation and hope that define her struggle, highlighting universal themes of sacrifice, longing, and the pursuit of connection.

BEST DIRECTION AWARD
What Mary Didn’t Know, Konstantina Kotzamani (Greece)

The film aboard the cruise ship Neoromantica beautifully captures the essence of teenage love amidst a whimsical Mediterranean backdrop. The director intertwines the youthful romance with Greek myths and contemporary realities, she skillfully brings together a diverse cast and creates a captivating narrative. The rich character development and emotional depth resonate deeply, making it a visual and heartfelt experience.

BEST PRODUCTION AWARD “TV5 MONDE”
If the Sun Drowned into an Ocean of Clouds, Wissam Charaf (Lebanon)

Produced by Aurora Films and Né à Beyrouth,

For its remarkable use of a single outdoor location to portray an entire dysfunctioning society, with humor, humanity, and a nice touch of fantasy.

BEST SOUTHEASTERN EUROPEAN FILM AWARD
What we ask of a statue is that it doesn’t move, Daphne Heretakis (Greece)

For its original and innovative use and blending in a joyful and creative fashion of diverse stylistic forms and genres, from documentary to  musical, to create a unique, refreshing and humane narrative that defies traditional ways of expression, at the same time capturing  the modern Greek society’s  imprisonment to the heritage of the past and the void this creates in the young generation who strives to find it’s own artistic voice and purpose.

SPECIAL MENTION
Cross my heart and hope to die, Sam Manacsa (Philippines)

Although confined in a single environment, the camera going out only once to the interior of a nearby restaurant, and limiting itself in the predicament of a young female unpaid worker, this unique film manages to open our perception and understanding, by  examining with a distinct form not only her working and emotional life, or the lack of it, but also  the broader social and economic environment, socially accepted or on the fringe, which controls ordinary people’s lives, often with dire consequences.

SPECIAL MENTION
Dreams like Paper Boats, Samuel Suffren (Haiti)

A special mention for its poignant exploration of the complexities of love and longing in a challenging environment. Through the lens of their daily struggles in Port-au-Prince, the narrative beautifully captures the emotional depth of a father’s unwavering devotion to his daughter Zara and the impact of absence on familial bonds and resonates deeply.

Independent Jury

International Competition Programme Awards:

“HUMAN VALUES” AWARD BY THE HELLENIC PARLIAMENT
The award is accompanied by a 1,500-euro prize, offered by the Hellenic Parliament.

To Workers Wings by Ilir Hasanj from Kosovo*

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FILM CRITICS (FIPRESCI) AWARD
To Clamor, Salomé Da Souza, 25’, France, 2023

SHORT AND GREEN AWARDS 2024

JURY

  • Neritan Zinxhiria, film maker (President)
  • Ilianna Zakopoulou, Promotion & International Cultural Events (Hellas Film)
  • Antoine Chapon, artist, filmmaker

Head Programmer:
Vasilis Terzopoulos 

AWARDS

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

On the 8th Day, Agathe Sénéchal, Alicia Massez, Elise Debruyne, Flavie Carin, Théo Duhautois (France)

For the perfect execution of all its artistic means Drama Green Award goes to a poetic work that combines solid artistic view with a creative form, offering a chance to meditate in a unique way on a difficult subject.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD
Wavering, Fanny Chesnel (France)

The award goes to a film that, along with the river, weaves scenes and floats from one story to another in a humorous approach of the complicated issues that it addresses.

SPECIAL MENTION
I would rather be a stone, Ana Husman (Croatia)

Special Mention goes to a film that questions the relationship between human stories, time and landscape, by putting together poetic images and an imposing voice over, managing to communicate the temporality of our existence on the land we think we own.

KIDDO AWARDS 2024

JURY

The jury for the KIDDO International Programme 2024 consists of pupils (aged 10-15): Isaak Iordanidis, Ilektra Theochari, Stavros Paraskevaidis, and Konstantions Dimitriadis

Head Programmer:
Elena Mavridou 

AWARDS

BEST KIDDO FILM
Accompanied by a 1,500 euro prize*

Tremolo, Leonard Mink (Germany)

For the sensitivity with which it depicts the relationship between a deaf boy and his father, a musician. Its sensitive script, its strong plot, the alternation of loud noises to absolutely silent scenes immersed us into the protagonist’s world and made us think that music can express even that which can not be said with words.

DREAMERS KIDDO
To the best film created by an adult director for children, accompanied by a prize of 1,500 euro*

MAO LUCKY, Luis Carlos Caballero Arguelles (Panama)

For its excellent animation, its incredible rhythm, its humour, and its brilliant script. A ceramic cat made us believe that we can overcome any adversity, even if it seems impossible.

*The awards are given in honour of Elvira and Emil Kakki, theatre owners and supporters of the arts in Drama during the period 1920-1941.

PITCHING LAB AWARDS 2024

ERT- BEST GREEK PROJECT AWARD
Blühen, Kostis Haramountanis (Greece)

FINOS FILM AWARD
The award is accompanied by a 2,000-euro prize offered by FINOS FILM.

TAXIthaca, Karina Logothetis (Greece)

BEST PITCHING FOR DEVELOPMENT AWARD -GREEK CINEMA CENTER
The award is accompanied by a 2,000-euro prize

Meadow Mice, Ilayda Iseri (Turkey)

FILM SOCIETIES AWARDS 2023

GREEK SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS (G.S.C.) – MERIT AWARD
The award is accompanied by a Canon camera prize, valued at 4,600 euro, provided by Canon Europe

Concrete Rodents, Apostolis Gkanatsios

Photography Director: Manos Daskalakis

The film participated in the Student National Competition Programme

GREEK FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION AWARD
Non-essential Movement, Nikoleta Leousi

For its innovative, cinematic, and timeless connection of politics, society, and cinema itself, with the existence of the most characteristic means of transport, the bus. Greek Film Critics Association has decided to honour the director with the Best Greek Short Film award instead of… writing her a ticket.

The film participated in the National Competition Programme

FEDERATION OF CINEMATIC CLUBS OF GREECE (OKLE) AWARD
Non-essential Movement, Nikoleta Leousi

The film participated in the National Competition Programme

AUDIENCE AWARD
Treadmill, Yiorgos Kimisis

The film participated in the National Competition Programme

47th DISFF 2024: ALL IS DRAMA

OΛΑ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΔΡΑΜΑ

47th Drama International Short Film Festival
2 – 8 September 2024

All is Drama!

The 47th Drama International Short Film Festival will take place on September 2-8, 2024, featuring a diverse program including 211 movies from 39 countries. 148 short films competing in the 7 competition sections of DISFF and 63 films screening in this year’s tributes.

In total, 62 Greek movies will be featured in the competition sections of DISFF, in national and international premieres.

Student films, short film hub, networking, pitching, green films, animation, films by kids, films for kids and Cinematherapy for All, promise an unforgettable week and a wild youth cinema fiesta.

The future of cinema in one week!

This year, Achilleas Kyriakidis will be Chairman of the Jury for the National Competition Programme and Yorgos Mavropsaridis will be Chairman of the Jury for the International Competition Programme.

Among many other events, the programme includes tributes to Frieda Liappa and Konstantinos Giannaris and a masterclass by Yorgos Mavropsaridis.

This year as well, the two (2) films that receive the top awards in both the National and International Competitions will automatically secure the coveted “ticket” to participate in the Oscars®.

The National Competition Programme and the International Competition are once again complemented by the International Student Programme and the National Student Programme. At the same time, International Animation, Short & Green and KIDDO with films for kids and by kids Competition Programmes continue their successful course, as well as the Short Film Hub, whose aim is for young directors, screenwriters and producers to form ties with the national and international film industry, fully supported by the Greek Film Centre.

And, of course, the innovative programme Cinematherapy will be here also.

This year, in a special screening, DISFF will proudly present the student films that were created during the first three semesters of the Undergraduate Department of Film Studies in Drama by the Hellenic Open University, which consisted of online lectures and live workshops in the city of Drama.

This year’s festival, the fifth one with Yannis Sakaridis as Artistic Director, will be held simultaneously in physical spaces and online. Through the platform  https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/online-festival/ the films will be accessible, with free admission, throughout Greece.

The Drama International Short Film Festival enters a new era with a new President, the Mayor of Drama Georgios Papadopoulos and a new Vice-President, Petros Paraskevidis.

The 47th DISFF will take place at the Olympia Cinema and the Municipal Music School of Drama (Antonis Papadopoulos Hall), at the open-air cinema Alexandros, in the garden of the Cyclops Cultural Centre, and at the Eleftheria multi-purpose café (at the junction of Venizelos and Kountouriotou streets). This year will also see the inauguration of a new Festival space: the Drama Boy’s Gymnasium, an iconic 1928 building which was renovated courtesy of Raycap Company and CYCLOPS Non-profit Organization.

The Drama Festival collaborates with: Greek Film Centre (EKK), the National Centre of Audiovisual Media and Communication (EKOME), RAYCAP, CYCLOPS, the National Electricity Company (DEI) which is the Festival’s new golden sponsor,  the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), Finos Film and many other bodies, with the full support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Hellenic Parliament, and of course the Municipality of Drama.

You can find the Daily Festival Programme here:
https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/schedule/

47th DISFF official trailer

This year’s spot, bearing the title All is Drama, has 10 versions referencing all the competition segments which together constitute the totality and identity of the Festival.

36 selected film titles from the 7 competition programmes are compiled to form full phrases – poetically, contemplatively or even humorously – just as the film themselves are screened consecutively on the big screen, forming a kaleidoscope of stories and images.

The unification of titles through the spot’s 10 different phrases attempts to showcase the Drama Festival as a space and a platform for inclusivity, unity and integration of every artistic genre, voice and expression of the wide creative cinema community.

With a nod to the title of a beloved Greek film by Pantelis Voulgaris, this is the message condensed and encapsulated in the three words of the main title:

All is Drama!

#DISFF47 OFFICIAL SPOT

The spot was directed and edited by the Festival’s Artistic Director, Yannis Sakaridis, based on an original idea by Vasilis Terzopoulos, who also wrote the script. The music was composed and kindly granted to the Festival by Kostis Maraveyias.

Discover the spot’s 10 versions on the following playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEqZG7n2JSQLCmglamKbJrGNaHHZnJEG5

THE FESTIVAL PLATFORM

Anyone wishing to attend the 47th DISFF online should visit the festival platform https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/online-festival/, (which can also be accessed via the festival website https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr following the link online festival) and follow the instructions.

The films will be available from September 2nd (10pm).

Admission is FREE for all online festival content, including the 7 competition sections and the tribute to the Student Films of the Undergraduate Department of Film Studies in Drama by the Hellenic Open University.

The films will remain on the platform until Monday, September 9th.

GREEK COMPETITION

The National Competition Programme (head programmer Yannis Sakaridis) features 27 films. You can find the list here:
https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/festival/national-competition/

Dozens of popular actors and actresses star or appear in the films. Indicatively we mention:

Alexandros Logothetis, Myrto Alikaki, Evi Saoulidou, Giorgos Katsis, Yvonne Maltezou, Natalia Tsaliki, Pygmalion Dadakaridis, Nikos Georgakis, Takis Sakellariou, Flomaria Papadaki, Christos Passalis, Pavlos Iordanopoulos, Nikolakis Zegkinoglou, Argyris Pantazaras, Giannis Papadopoulos, Maria Skoula, Dora Masklavanou, Michele Valley, Tonia Sotiropoulou, Stavros Tsoumanis, Maria Filini, Zoe Sigalou and many new and talented faces. We will also see the transgender actress and model Konstantina Lia, and the rappers NOVEL and MIRA, in main roles that are sure to cause great debate.

This year’s programme is dominated by social issues and relationships. However, there are period films, true stories, films based on short stories (“The Party” by Sotiris Dimitriou), foreign language short films, black and white films, stories that take place abroad (Sweden, Italy, Germany) and post-apocalyptic dystopian sci-fi stories.

Rappers and trappers are also featured this year, with popular rapper Novel getting involved in the creation of a film about group therapy. Young creators are also intensely interested in life in the Greek countryside, where patriarchy and masculinity stereotypes “crush” the youth. Emphasis is given in sexuality, gay love stories (especially between women), homophobia, and the assertation of transgender identity.

Hunting and animals star in many films giving rise to dramatic developments, while loss, grief management and separation form a large part of this year’s subject area. Familial relationships and especially the mother-daughter confrontational relationship, friendships that go through trials, first love, childhood traumas, loss of childhood and abrupt coming of age, parental responsibility and single-person families are a constant source of inspiration for short film producers, as are all the hot topics that bedevil modern Greece: immigration, bullying, racism, suicide, police violence, spying, the integration of the Roma people, addiction, imprisonment, as well as unemployment, undeclared work, and the plight of people trying to survive in an era where people are seduced by “self-improvement” advice. The pandemic lockdowns are still leaving their mark on cinema, and we will also see a few short documentaries about Omonoia Square and the microcosm of Greek buses.

Many new directors are competing in the 47th DISFF, but we also see the return of many previous Festival winners, even of the Golden Dionysus award, such as Alexandros Skouras and George Fourtounis.

THE OTHER SIX COMPETITIVE PROGRAMMES:

You will find all the films participating in the competitive sections of the Festival on the Festival website https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/

Below are the links for each competition:

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

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

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION

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

NATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION

https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/national-student-competition/

SHORT AND GREEN

https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/short-and-green/

INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION COMPETITION

https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/animation/

KIDDO

https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/festival/kiddo/

THE JURY COMMITTEES OF THE 47TH DISFF

*The Jury of the National Competition Programme consists of:

Achilleas Kyriakidis (Chairman), author, translator, cinema academic, director
Irini Vachlioti, director
Alexis Vasileiou, Rialto Theatre General Manager, artist
Leda Galanou, cinema critic, co-owner of flix.gr
Marina Siotou, actress

*The jury of the International Competition Programme consists of:

Yorgos Mavropsaridis (Chairman), editor
Laurent Crouzeix, Executive team, Clermont-Ferrand ISFF & Short Film Market
Athena Xenidou, director, producer

*The jury of the International Student Competition Programme consists of:

Vicky Papadopoulou, actress
Νiels Putman, film programmer, chief editor of Talking Shorts
Celine Roustan, film programmer

*The jury of the National Student Competition Programme consists of:

Aris Katopodis (Chairman), Artistic Director of Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
Stylianos Zerefos, professor of the Applied Arts and Sustainable Design Faculty of the Hellenic Open University
Vania Turner, director, documentarist

*The jury of the Short and Green Programme consists of:

Neritan Zinxhiria, cinematographer
Elianna Zakopoulou, Head of Promotion and International Cultural Events -Hellas Film
Antoine Chapon, artist, filmmaker

*The jury of the Αnimation Competition Programme consists of:

Dr Lamprini Trivella, post-doc researcher UNIWA
Vasilis Galopoulos, audio engineer
Marineta Kritikou, Animasyros Festival market coordinator

*The jury of KIDDO consists of pupils aged 10-15 years old:

Isaak Iordanidis
Electra Theochari
Stavros Paraskevaidis
Konstantinos Dimitriadis

SHORT FILM HUB

The Short Film Hub aims to connect talented directors, screenwriters and producers with the national and international film industry and is pleased to add to its members Florian Fernandez, coordinator of Cannes Festival Short Film Market.

The Short Film Hub activities, supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, are spread throughout the duration of the Festival. There are daily discussions with selected guests while every morning, at 11 am, at the open-air cinema Alexandros, the public will get the opportunity to meet with the competing directors.

This year’s programme includes a new collaboration between DISFF and the online magazine Talking Shorts, featuring workshops on film review and artistic design by guest speakers, in-person meetings, and a fascinating series of talks and lectures (SFH Talks) on such subjects as hybrid short film format, international distribution, development and production of one’s first feature length film, new models of artistic design, programme planning and festival organization and development.

This year sees the inauguration of a Residency programme, which will form a springboard for the future of the festival, allowing creators to focus on script development and receive one-to-one guidance on subjects dealing with the film industry. The chosen participants for this year are Alexandra Mattheou, Stergios Dinopoulos, Stavros Markoulakis and Tilemachos Gioglaris.

One must not miss the Masterclass of film editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis (Frieday 6/9, open-air cinema Alexandros) and the panel with director Konstantinos Giannaris, Denis Nikolakou and Aris Dimokidis (Cinematherapy Ψtalk, Thursday 5/9, open-air cinema Alexandros).

Meet the Experts – daily meetings with the professionals who will be present in Drama and will be available for one-to-one sessions with the directors, screenwriters and producers whose movies will be screened in the official Festival programme – will be organized once again this year.

MEET THE GFC

The Greek Film Centre, carrying on its long-standing and stable collaboration with Drama Festival, organizes once again this year the Meet the GFC series of informative meetings within the Short Film Hub framework. From Tuesday 3/9 to Frieday 6/9 GFC staff will inform directors and producers about all its selective funding programmes and the opportunities they unfold for extroversion and international collaborations. Furthermore, GFC will actively participate in the Festival’s activities in order to support and promote Greek short films.

The programme also includes a panel for audiovisual professionals with the president of EKOME, Leonidas Christopoulos.

Finally, the DISFF continues its collaboration with Crew United, the top online platform for connecting audiovisual professionals in Europe, which started operating in Greece as Crew United Greece (https://www.crew–united.com/el/). The platform, which is now available in Greek, will be giving out 3 awards. On Thursday 5/9 (12pm – 1.15pm, Eleftheria Cafe) the Crew United Workshop: building self-management and networking strategies in the audiovisual industry by Venia Vergou and Iris Asimakopoulou will take place.

See the detailed programme of the SFH here:
https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/shortfilmhub/

PITCHING LAB

As part of DISFF’s active Educational Programme led by Barbara Dukas, Artistic Director of Municipal Regional Theater of Corfu, the Drama Pitching Lab and Pitching Forum will take place for the 11th year.

Ten projects (including four from Greece) will participate in the Pitching Lab & Forum in Drama and will compete for the Finos Film and Greek Film Centre Awards.

The Pitching Forum will take place on Friday 6/9 at the Municipal Music School.

“As is only natural”, notes Barbara Doukas, “the concerns and anxieties spanning the globe are reflected in the stories of the creators. Thus, apart from the always relevant personal stories, projects about coming-of-age films, social issues such as the movement of populations and pauperization, a multitude of scripts have dealt in various ways with the anxiety about the future of the planet and its possible eschatological course. Genres such as horror and sci-fi, the metaphysical and poetic element, as well as the treatment of landscapes and regions far from the megacities leading to atmospheric contemporary westerns, projects that take into account new facts in social consciousness about the need to include and accept people with special skills and diseases whose very names once had to be kept in silence, but also projects using new cutting-edge technologies and their creative use in filmmaking, gave us a variety of extremely interesting projects, making our choice difficult.”

Furthermore, during the screening of the award-winning films of DISFF in Athens, the Athens Pitching Lab will take place for the third year with 6 Greek projects. A highly promising event which emphasizes the development of the project’s scripts, aiming to give a boost to Greek film production.

The ‘STATHIS PARASKEYOPOULOS’ mentorship awards will be awarded to two of these projects, which will be further assisted in the development of their scripts.

As Barbara Doukas points out: “Preparing for Pitching is an essential process if you want to see your idea turned into a film. There are no general rules that define a perfect pitch, but there is definitely only one pathway: the inner journey leading to the truth of your story. And together we will discover it and find the best way to share it.”

You will find detailed information about the projects participating in this year’s Pitching Lab here:
https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/festival/pitching-lab/

CINEMATHERAPY

Following the success of the Cinematherapy programme from 2020 to the present day in Greece and abroad, DISFF announces the launch of the programme for the year 2024, with “Therapeutic Cinema” as the central theme.

According to the head of the programme, psychotherapist Denis Nikolakou, “this is an innovative programme that aims to highlight the power of cinema as a means of therapy and introspection, offering viewers a deep, emotional and psychological experience”.

The 5th edition of Cinematherapy includes two short films and a “ΨTalk” discussion panel, which is being launched for the first time this year.

“In this framework”, notes Denis Nikolakou, “we are extremely pleased to have a discussion with the renowned director Konstantinos Giannaris about his film A Place in the Sun, in which we will have the opportunity to analyze and explore the deeper meaning and the psychological aspects of the film.” (Thursday 5/9, 8.30pm, open-air cinema Alexandros, FREE ADMISSION). The panel consists of Denis Nikolakou, Konstantinos Giannaris and Aris Dimokidis. The public will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Furthermore, on Frieday 6/9 and Saturday 7/9 respectively, at the open-air cinema Alexandros, the films Vioma by Angel Saft and Skeleton Tree by Haris Zalavras will be screened. There will be a discussion with the film production team following the screening.

Through the film screenings, the programme offers the audience an opportunity to explore themes such as memory, confronting time, personal development and self-awareness. In this way, Cinematherapy DISFF 2024 promotes the idea that cinema is not only about entertainment, but a powerful tool for the development and healing of the human psyche.

You can find more information about this year’s Cinematherapy here:
https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/program/cinematherapy/

OTHER ACTIVITIES

The parallel events of the 47th DISFF include:

*A TRIBUTE TO THE NEW STUDY PROGRAM IN FILM STUDIES BY THE HOU.

The undergraduate Study Program “Film Studies: Screenplay, Filmmaking, and Research” by the School of Applied Arts and Sustainable Design of the HOU aims to teach students the knowledge and skills required to seek employment in various fields of audio-visual and cinema productions by providing them with both theoretical and practical skills in a wide variety of cinema-related subjects.

In the framework of the successful cooperation between the Hellenic Open University and the DISFF, student works from the first three semesters of the programme for the academic year 2023-2024 have been selected for screening.

The films will be screened on Wednesday 4/9 (Cyclops).

*TRIBUTES TO KONSTANTINOS GIANNARIS AND FRIEDA LIAPPA

On Sunday 8/9 (Olympia) the DISFF will honor the director Konstantinos Giannaris by screening four award-winning short films from the 1990’s, offering a rare opportunity for Drama audiences to observe the development of his unique cinematic viewpoint. The four films to be screened are: A Place in the Sun (1995), Trojans (1990), Caught Looking (1991) and North of Vortex (1991).

At the same time, in an honorary tribute to Frieda Liappa, the digitally restored copy of her short film I remember you leaving all the time (1977), as well as the partially restored films Apetaxamin (Renouncement) (1980) and 40 Days Later (1972). The restoration is performed by the Greek Film Archive in collaboration with Kyriakos Aggelakos and Drama Festival, supported by EKEP (Society for Social Work and Culture).

*A TRIBUTE TO THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCHOOL OF FILM STUDIES OF AUTH WITH SELECTED STUDENT FILMS

In the past few years, within the framework of the National Student Programme, DISFF audiences have embraced and awarded the latest films of the graduates of the School of Film of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

This retrospective, which will be presented on Tuesday 3/9 and Thursday 5/9 (Cyclops), focuses on the end-of-year films of the first generation of graduates, from 2009 to 2019. These films were screened and applauded at festivals in their day and are being re-screened with a new zest to new audiences, bridging the present with the history and evolution of the Department.

“A LITTLE DRAMA IN ANIMAPRIDE”-10 YEARS ANIMAPRIDE

A tribute to LGBTQ+ animated films, in collaboration with Animasyros. Konstantinos Yannaris selects some of his favorite films from the Animapride competition category of the last few years of the Animasyros International Animation Festival, which will be presented on Saturday 7/9 (Cyclops) in a special screening at the 47th DISFF and the 17th Animasyros International Animation Festival (23-29 September 2024).

12 films from Greece, France, Brazil, USA and Taiwan will be screened, covering a wide range of queer themes. Personal stories of coming out, the discrimination faced by queer individuals, comic tales of late-night entertainment and much more that will entertain us all!

* PRESENTATION OF THE 12 FILMS CREATED BY THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE FILM WORKSHOP OF THE DRAMA FESTIVAL.

DISFF devised and implemented a new free workshop with aspiring filmmakers from Drama, aimed at creating short films (fiction or hybrid), which will be shown in a special screening at the Festival in September. The workshop, designed and executed by the artistic team of the Festival, took place over eight months (with 2 workshops per month) in the city of Drama. In the first year 25 people participated in the project and in the second year 55 people participated, and it is worth noting that in response to the open call, 200 people from Drama sent in their applications.

After the warm reception of last year’s presentation, the 12 new films will be screened again this year, in the courtyard of the Boy’s Gymnasium, on Thursday 5/9 and Friday 6/9.

The programme is supported by Raycap.

Head of Programme: Yannis Sakaridis, director, DISFF Artistic Director

*MOBILE SCHOOL TRAVELS

On Wednesday 4/9 (Boy’s Gymnasium) The Ladies Union of Drama – Hostel House presents Mobile School Travels, a short documentary directed by Loukas Paleokrasas, which recounts the life of Roma children living in the camp of Philippou, Drama, and working on the streets. It was filmed during the educational project “Mobile School Travels”, which was implemented in the framework of the Active Citizens Fund project by the The Ladies Union of Drama.

The Mobile School is a wheeled rectangular construction, consisting of educational panels (e.g. arithmetic, grammar, geography, etc.) and discussion panels (e.g. personal hygiene, diversity, bullying, violence, etc.). There are over 350 panels which are rotated in each intervention. The main objectives of the Mobile School project are to eliminate school dropout and illiteracy and to encourage Roma children to participate in educational activities that strengthen their self-esteem.

*ARE YOU IN (THE MEDIA)? – AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR KIDS BY EKOME (NATIONAL CENTRE OF AUDIOVISUAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION)

The Drama Festival in collaboration with EKOME organizes an interactive workshop on Education in the Media. The workshop is based on the educational programme “Are you in (the Media)?”.

Taking as a starting point an entertaining digital interactive quiz on issues related to the Media (Cinema, Television, Internet, Radio, Advertising, Press, etc.), various activities (expression, reflection, movement, creation, play) are organized, with emphasis on digital playful tools. The activities focus on specific issues which we have found to be relevant for children and the Festival, such as: online safety, new A.I. and V.R. technologies, advertising, digital games, fake news, etc. The workshop will be adapted to the needs and particular characteristics of the group of children who will participate.

It is addressed to children aged 12 – 15 years old and will take place on Wednesday 4/9 at the Municipal Conservatory of Drama.

*LITERARY ATRIUM: DIMITRIS PETROU – KYRIAKOS SYFILTZOGLOU

SHORT AND FEATURE-LENGTH POEMS

Two poets from the city of Drama converse on the occasion of the publication of their latest poetry collections, “Twentieth World” (Editions Polis) and “Indian Style” (Editions Antipodes). An open conversation between two authors about the core materials of poetic creation, the relationship between contemporary history and its “inspiration and transformation”, about small and large compositions. Two poets, two friends, meeting again years later in their birthplace to share their common love “of their roots” within the framework of the DISFF.

Wednesday 4/9, open-air cinema Alexandros

*SCREENING OF AWARD-WINNING FILMS

The DISFF award-winning films will be screened on Monday 9/9 at 6pm and 8pm at Olympia cinema.

You can find detailed information about the parallel events of DISFF here:

https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/parallel-programmes/

TICKETS

Pre-booking at more.com

APPOINTMENT (ALSO) IN ATHENS IN OCTOBER

See you in Drama, then, but also in Athens, on October 24-27 at IRIS Cinema (56, Acadimias St) where the National and National Student Competition Programmes will be screened in their entirety. There will also be a pitching workshop. May we remind you that IRIS cinema is the base of the Film Section of the Cultural Students Union of Athens University.

The programme Drama Festival Travels will continue into next season, visiting even more places, highlighting the dynamic of Greek film production in Greece and abroad.

The Drama Festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Greek Parliament, and of course the Municipality of Drama.

International participants in the competiton programmes

OΛΑ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΔΡΑΜΑ

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMPETITION PROGRAMMES

The Drama Short Film Festival has in recent years acquired a new, dynamic and broader cinematic identity, which distinguishes it as an extroverted festival – a nursery for young and talented filmmakers, both within and outside the borders. This year, once again, the Festival’s team has worked for another dynamic event, which will constitute an essentially creative meeting and gathering of young, emerging, but also more experienced and established filmmakers, both from the domestic and the international film scene.

As we have already announced, the 47th DISFF will screen a total of 62 Greek films in all its competition sections, which will be premiered nationally and worldwide.

Since last year, the films that receive the top awards in both the National and the International Competition section each September, automatically secure the coveted “ticket” to participate in the Oscar® selection process. The link with the Academy® Awards highlighted the international character of the Festival and was an attraction for even more entries in our international programmes.

These are the short films that will compete internationally this year in the programmes of the 47th Drama Short Film Festival (2-8 September 2024):

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

  1. If the sun drowned into an ocean of clouds by Wissam Charaf
  2. Las Memorias Perdidas De Los Arboles by Antonio La Camera
  3. fishing by Josie Charles
  4. Lovin’ Her by day
  5. Clamor by Salomé Da Souza
  6. A Bird Flew by Leinad Pájaro De la Hoz
  7. The distance between us by Léo Fontaine
  8. Madwoman in the attic by Tamara García Iglesias
  9. Abraham by Elnaz Ghaderpour, Reza Gamini
  10. Workers’ wings by Ilir Hasanaj
  11. What we ask of a statue is that it doesn’t move by Daphné Hérétakis
  12. The Voice of Others by Fatima Kaci
  13. Pena’s Special Hauling by Anssi Kassitoni
  14. Céline on a Cloudy Day by Can Köroğlu
  15. Numb by Despina Kourti
  16. What Mary Didn’t Know by Konstantina Kotzamani
  17. Unwanted Kinship by Pavel Mozhar
  18. The House by Carl Olsson
  19. looking she said I forget by Naomi Pacifique
  20. Silent Panorama by Nicolas Piret
  21. The Oasis I Deserve by Inès Sieulle
  22. Montsouris by Guil Sela
  23. Cross My Heart and Hope to Die by Sam Manacsa
  24. Dreams Like Paper Boats by Samuel Suffren
  25. Milk by Miranda Stern
  26. So Long by Jiaqi Yuan
  27. Wouldn’t Make It Any Other Way by Hao Zhou

The International Competition of the Drama International Short Film Festival, led for the fourth consecutive year by filmmaker Giorgos Zois, is excited to announce this year’s lineup. The program features 27 films from 21 countries. This year’s international competition focuses on coming-of-age stories of youth and teenagers, as well as their integration into a rapidly evolving world, both materially and virtually. It also addresses the rising social class disparities that affect people of all ages, leading to a constant struggle for survival and testing their human behavior.

The 27 films come from the following countries: Colombia, France, Haiti, Estonia, Sweden, Kosovo, Lebanon, Philippines, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Iran, Belgium, USA, Spain, Italy, Finland, China, the Netherlands, Peru, and Greece. Many of these films will have their world premiere at the festival, while others have already received acclaim at major international film festivals.

These short films present a distinct narrative perspective and personal style, transforming each into a truly unique piece of filmmaking. Even if some demand more focus and attention due to their length or format, they will definitely pique your interest, charm you, and reveal new visual pathways.

Head programmer: George Zois

DISFF47 | INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION

  1. Sea Salt by Leila Basma
  2. Leli’s Friend by Sawanti Das
  3. Rising Above by Natálie Durchánková
  4. Falling by Anna Gyimesi
  5. Renaissances by Naomi Noiret
  6. Slimane by Carlos Pereira
  7. No Future Kids by Eleni Poulopoulou
  8. Say Wuff by Fabian Podeszwa
  9. Dracaena by Sofia Priovolou, Ioannis Panagiotidis
  10. Obituary Service For You by María Salafranca
  11. Vic by Luis Schubert
  12. The Sea in Between by Lun Sevnik
  13. As if Mother Cried that Night by Hoda Taheri

For the 5th consecutive year, the programme of the International Student Section of the 47th Drama Festival will feature exciting films by young artists! This year’s topic is “Human Relations & the Sea”! Lots of love, but also violence. Films about the much-discussed diversity and human sexuality, with its various manifestations. Whatever their themes, for me my great joy comes from the fact that we found films, once again, that approach their topics in an authentic, contemporary and artistically daring way. We met young filmmakers who are worthy representatives of their time and generation and who, I hope, will continue to tell film stories with the same sensitivity and interest.

Head programmer: Thanasis Neofotistos

SHORT AND GREEN

  1. Bios Beneath Blind by Kim Allamand
  2. Goodbye Sun by Hakim Atoui
  3. Greenwash by Andres Bronnimann
  4. Wavering by Fanny Chesnel
  5. The Generators by Georgie Cowan-Turner
  6. Guardiani Del Lago by Alice Gagliardi
  7. Plantasia by Angelos Gourzis
  8. I Would Rather Be a Stone by Ana Husman
  9. Know Your Stones by Katarina Jazbec
  10. Enjoy your meal by Sofie Kienzle, Christian Manzke
  11. Las Memorias Perdidas De Los Árboles by Antonio La Camera
  12. Hikuri by Sandra Ovilla
  13. For You by Luca Paulli
  14. On the 8th Day by Agathe Sénéchal, Alicia Massez, Elise Debruyne, Flavie Carin, Théo Duhautois
  15. Guardians by Julián Stubbs Generali

The Short and Green international competition programme is now in its 4th year. And if anything  shows the urgent need for such reflections and stimuli for the film-loving audience, it is the changes that we are clearly experiencing in the climate of our country and the planet and, consequently, in our lives and everyday life.

This year’s programme features 15 films -5 animation films, 5 documentaries and 5 fiction films- 15 small pieces, which form a colourful, multicultural, and inclusive mosaic and create a special polyphony of cinematic storytelling.

From Italy to Mexico, and from France to Costa Rica, young filmmakers around the globe are inspired by and create with the environment and the climate crisis in mind. And even if film is not a powerful enough medium to change the course of events, it can at least serve as an indirect warning. As long as it’s not too late.

Head programmer: Vassilis Terzopoulos

KIDDO

  1. The Man in the Blue Suit by Evan Patrick Adams
  2. Porcelain by Annika Birgel
  3. Mao Lucky by Luis Carlo Caballero Arguelles
  4. Trinkets by Elli Fotiou
  5. I Loved to See You by Ricardo Garcia
  6. A Deer Died Here by John Giordano
  7. Tamagoyaki by Meg Igarashi
  8. Gaomei Fantasy by Juo Wen Chin
  9. Childhood Colors by Alexandre Labarussiat
  10. Healer by Mackenzie Leigh
  11. Tremolo by Leonard Mink
  12. Dusk by Awa Moctar Gueye
  13. Beromut by Pola Rader
  14. Snowglobes by Gregory Vardarinos
  15. In Sickness and in Health by Devina Vassileva
  16. Game Rules by Christian Zetterberg
  17. Love Photosynthesis by Alisa Zolonz

Kiddo’s competition section is open to filmmakers of films for children and teenagers with contemporary themes that speak about the school years, adolescence and adulthood. About gender equality, racism and young people’s motivations for life. Fiction and animation, drama and comedy films. 17 films in total, from many countries, including two Greek entries.

In this section, younger filmmakers are given the opportunity to screen their films, but also to compete, as these are films made by adults for children, and by children for children. The ultimate aim and objective is to trigger the artistic spirit of young people and develop their aesthetic perception. To cultivate their imagination. To motivate them to become actively involved in the art of cinema.

For this reason, the film evaluation committee consists of children from the city of Drama. Kiddo is the new section of the festival and it is in its second year of operation this year. We hope and believe that it will flourish and develop into an important programme for the children who compete as well as for the children of the city of Drama who will attend it.

Head programmer: Elena Mavridou

ANIMATION

  1. Two One Two by Shira Avni
  2. chicken by Anna Benner
  3. The Girl Who Walked On Snow by Bruno Carnide
  4. Dodeca – the womb by Daniele Charasanakis
  5. Underground by Yiannis Christoforou
  6. G3N3SIS by Antonis Doussias
  7. Echoes by Robinson Drossos
  8. Plantasia by Angelos Gourzis
  9. Don’t Forget to Take Medicines on Time by Xiaoxuan Han
  10. P by Stelios Koupetoris
  11. 74 by Charalambos Margaritis
  12. In the Shadow of the Cypress by Hossein Molayemi, Shirin Sohani
  13. WAN by Victor Monigote
  14. Asotos by George Nathenas
  15. The Mushroom Man by Petros Niamonitakis
  16. Percebes by Alexandra Ramires, Laura Gonçalves
  17. Nabu by Joanna Rusinek
  18. The Wild-Tempered Clavier by Anna Samo
  19. La Voix des Sirènes by Gianluigi Toccafondo
  20. Darwin Story by Natasha Tonkin
  21. SHORTS FROM THE BOX / modern times by Géza M. Tóth
  22. Flower Show by Elli Vuorinen
  23. Little Fire by Chen Wu

Animation, as a medium of visual communication, combines a variety of expressive media from all art forms to convey a message and generate corresponding emotions. This year’s event saw a record number of submissions to the animation programme, as part of a broader trend of increased participation in all of the festival’s programmes. However, the films submitted were of high quality, both technically and narratively, and it is worth noting that this year saw a significant increase in the number of Greek animation films with a plethora of techniques and of excellent quality.

The selection of the final programme was really difficult and was made, as every year, based on the plurality and variety of creative techniques and narrative approach. The main objective remains, always, the development of audiovisual animation literacy towards the active participation of the audience of Drama and the promotion of animation films in general.

Head programmer: Spyros Siakas

The Festival’s programming teams watched and evaluated more than 4000 films in total. We invite you to discover them up close in Drama and online during the 47th edition (2-8 September 2024).

The Drama Festival is realized with the full support of the Ministry of Culture, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Hellenic Parliament, and of course the Municipality of Drama.

Selection results for the Pitching LAB 2024

Pitching Lab

Selection results for the Pitching LAB 2024

We are thrilled with the response of filmmakers from all over the world who have honoured us with their trust by sending us really interesting and original projects.

As expected, the concerns and anxieties that are spread all over the planet are reflected in the stories of the creators, and so, apart from the always topical personal stories, projects for coming-of-age films, social issues such as the displacement of populations and impoverishment, a multitude of scripts have dealt in various ways with the anxiety about the future of the planet and its possible eschatological course.

Genres such as thriller, sci-fi, metaphysical and poetic elements, as well as the management of landscapes and areas far from the big cities, leading to atmospheric contemporary westerns, projects that take into account the new data in social consciousness about the need to include and accept people with special needs and illnesses that once even their name had to be kept in silence, but also projects using new cutting-edge technologies and their creative use in filmmaking, gave us a variety of extremely interesting projects, making it hard for us to choose.

So out of almost 100 entries, the 10 projects that will compete in Drama are the following:

  1. Broken Honor by Arthur De Weerdt και Daniel de Weerdt – The Netherlands
  2. Gazelle by Saman Hosseinpuor – Iran
  3. The Unseen Battles by Sennet Ntimane – South Africa
  4. The Prodigal 12% by Megan Smith – United Kingdom
  5. Taxi Driver’s Turn or 24 Hours without Popi by Karina Logothetis – Greece
  6. 15:16 by Konstantinos P. Kakarountas – Greece
  7. Meadow Mice by Ilayda Iseri – Turkey
  8. Another Day of Something Unusual by Sesarini και Ali Azca – Indonesia
  9. Blühen by Kostis Charamountanis – Greece
  10. Clinic by Penelope Mavropsaridi – Greece

We have also selected 6 Greek projects for the Athens Pitching Lab, which will be held for the third consecutive year, accompanying the award-winning films of Drama to Athens, a promising event that emphasizes the development of the projects’ scripts, aiming to boost Greek production. The 6 projects:

  1. Dreams of Copper by Spyros Christoforatos
  2. Disowned by Anna Maria Dimitropoulou
  3. Meridian by Markela Kontaratou
  4. Adespotos (Stray) by Anastasia Gkivalou
  5. Feride, My Love by Dina Koumbolis and Christos Dimas
  6. Hot Water by Krysianna Papadakis

Barbara Dukas
DISFF Head of Educational Programme

Florian Fernandez named Head of the Short Film Hub

Από τις Κάννες στο Φεστιβάλ Δράμας ο νέος επικεφαλής του Short Film Hub

Florian Fernandez named Head of the Short Film Hub

The Drama International Short Film Festival is pleased to announce that Florian Fernández, Industry coordinator for the Short Film Corner | Rendez-vous Indsutry at the Festival de Cannes.

The Oscar® qualified Drama International Short Film Festival continues its steadily upward path, with the new mayor of Drama, George Papadopoulos, as president and Petros Paraskevaidis as vice president of DISFF. The new leaders of the Cultural Organization of the Drama International Short Film Festival, along with the artistic director Yannis Sakaridis, welcome to the festival family an important and internationally renowned film professional who will contribute to the festival’s wider outreach, strengthening its international dimension and impact.

The Short Film Hub aims to connect talented directors, screenwriters and producers with the international and national film industry. It functions as a space of creation, continuous exploration, and freedom, through which the young creators will have the opportunity to meet well-known film professionals and learn about the countless possibilities of their art, promoting a film project, developing a screenplay and building a network of contacts.

Every September, professional meetings, workshops, seminars, and endless discussions transform the city of Drama and the Drama International Short Film Festival into the perfect destination for every film professional who loves short films.

According to Florian Fernández, «It is a tremendous joy to join Drama International Short Film Festival, in a country very dear to my heart and as part of an inspiring team carried by a lot of passionate, dynamic and talented people!

I’m impatient to pursue the effort newly initiated in 2023 and give more space to the Short Film Hub, a central platform aiming at developing industry opportunities for short films and their makers. Beyond the screenings of the selected short films, the HUB – standing for Harmony | Unity | Bravery – is a key initiative to forge bonds, to bring more individual guidance, and to focus on talent development as well as on the support & the travel of projects. With the ambition of slowly widening the possibilities for filmmakers from Greece and abroad, this year’s program will explore new paths of cooperation and will celebrate the many inspiring ways of creating through the short film format.

To celebrate this new impulse for the Short Film Hub, we are glad to introduce a new partnership between DISFF and Talking Shorts! This online magazine dedicated to short films aims to produce universally readable content that can inspire, cultivate, and educate a broad range of audiences, from students and scholars to non-cinephile readers.

A new collaboration that makes a lot of sense for a festival that has been created by filmmakers and for filmmakers, and who puts discussions & creation at the heart of its ambitions!».

Bio

Holding a Master’s degree in Film Studies, Florian coordinates the various industry initiatives elaborated as part of the Short Film Corner | Rendez-vous Industry. This four-day forum organized by the Festival de Cannes aims to highlight short film forms, emerging talents and facilitate the interactions between the filmmakers and the industry. Florian is also involved in the pre-selection of short films for Montreal Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, for the Doc Shorts section of SXSW, and formerly took part in Encounters Film Festival pre-selection team (2021-2023). He yearly collaborates as part of The Short Film Lab training program and the European Short Pitch reading committee. Since 2023, he has partnered with Protest Studios to take care of the festival distribution & sales of a handful of short films carried by unique voices.
In 2024, he has joined Drama Int’l Short Film Festival as the Head of the Short Film Hub.

SAVE THE DATE: the 47th Drama International Short Film Festival will take place from 2-8 September 2024.

 

Τhe Short Film Hub is supported by Creative Europe Media

DISFF in Athens with Student Films

Το DISFF στην Αθήνα με Σπουδαστικές Ταινίες

DISFF in Athens with Student Films

and together
A TRIBUTE TO GERMAN SHORT FILMS
Iris Cinema
19-21 APRIL
FREE ENTRANCE
Drama Festival travels to Iris and student films are honored in the most youthful cinema in Athens!

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday 19-21 April, the historic cinema, corner of Hippocrates and Academia, where the Film and Photography Section of the Cultural Club of Students of the University of Athens (IRIS Cinema) operates, will host the DISFF in Athens programme with the student films that competed last year in the National Student Programme in Drama (46th DISFF, 2023).

At the same time, the Hamburg Short Film Festival (following the tribute screened at Drama Festival last September) will present Focus on Germany, a tribute to selected German short films from the 1980s to the present day.

On Friday 19 April and Saturday 20 April, the screenings start at 19:00 with the German tribute and continue at 20:30 with the films of the National Student Programme. Friday will feature iconic German films produced in the 1980s (i.e. under the German Democratic Republic), followed on Saturday by films from the 1990s to the present day showing the evolution of German short films over time since the fall of the Wall..

On Sunday 21 April, both screening zones will be dedicated to Greek student films. The films cover a particularly wide spectrum of themes (relationships, identity, inclusion, social criticism), unfolding the concerns of young children with remarkable freshness, sensitivity and insight. And they reveal the great potential of Greek cinema today: a potential that has been visible from the very first steps of Greek filmmakers.
Screening times: 19:00 and 20:30.
Free entrance.

The event is organized in cooperation with the Iris Visions Festival and supported by the members of the Cultural Club of Students of the University of Athens.
The timetable per day and detailed information about each film and its cast and crew are available here:
https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/ath-stud-films

Το DISFF στην Αθήνα με Σπουδαστικές Ταινίες