2023: TAKES ON CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH IN MODERN GREEK CINEMA

/ 2023: TAKES ON CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH IN MODERN GREEK CINEMA

It is the sixth time the Olympia International Film Festival includes this special section in its programme. As always, it includes recent short films by Greek filmmakers about childhood and youth, which do not address those age groups as the audience. As noted in the past, many Greek filmmakers have a keen interest in youth and adolescence; this interest often functions as a motive for creation, and plays a primary role in their scripts. From the point of view of a festival for children and young people, this phenomenon is interesting and worthy of observation –this is why we have created this special section. Furthermore, this special section also aims to encourage filmmakers to place their cameras on the eye level of children's gaze and create films not only about children, but also for a children audience. Our Olympia “Creative Ideas” Pitching Lab, which was also established in 2018, also moves in this direction. This year’s selection includes 7 films –all of them student films or made by young filmmakers.

Θυμωμένο ψάρι / Angry fish

Kostas Chaliasas, Ελλάδα / Greece, 15’, 2023

A young boy mourns his father’s death, while he struggles to deal with losing his innocence.

Κακά Παιδιά με Ονόματα Αγίων / Bad Kids with Saint Names

Vicky Anastasiadou, Ελλάδα / Greece, 13’, 2023

After his bossy stepfather decides to take him on a business trip, 16-year-old Michalis spends his last day in the city hanging out with his friends. It will be a day full of illegalities, music and bold risks.

Το χάος που άφησε πίσω της / The chaos she left behind

Nikos Kolioukos, Ελλάδα / Greece, 33’, 2023

Anna, in her late twenties, feels like her life is slipping through her fingers. A ticket to a prestigious music school in Paris might be the perfect last chance to pursue her dream career in piano. Success no longer seems so elusive unless her manipulative, self-destructive alcoholic father stands in the way.

Days of a Lilac Summer

Ariadni Angeliki Thyfronitou Litou, Ελλάδα / Greece, 12’, 2023

An angry teen goes on a summer vacation with her absent father. In the Greek, peaceful countryside, she explores her desire for male attention with two older boys, ignoring her need of a father figure.

Good Girls Club: A Virginity Odyssey

Lida Vartzioti & Dimitris Tsakaleas, Ελλάδα / Greece, 17’, 2023

On the night of their 18th birthday celebration, two best friends are on a mission to lose their virginity. Nothing goes as planned in this virginity odyssey that is transformed into a journey of self-discovery and friendship.

Η παρέλαση / The parade

Michail Galanopoulos, Ελλάδα-Ελβετία / Greece-Switzerland, 24’, 2022

The adventures of a group of high school students in Athens, Greece, during the day of the national military parade.

Γιατί δεν χορεύεις; / Why won’t you dance?

Penelope Mavropsaridi, Ελλάδα / Greece, 15’, 2023

Anna, a shy girl, sits alone at a party. Vasilis, a shy guy, also sits alone at the same party. Vasilis really doesn’t want to talk to Anna. Anna is burdened by something. Their reluctant meeting will bring forth memories Anna would much rather ignore.