Beyond Borders at Greek Film Archive 2024
The 8th Beyond Borders met its fiends in Athens!
Under the patronage of H.E., the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou
The award-winning films of the 8th Beyond Borders – Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival were warmly received by the audience during their premiere at the Greek Film Archive in Athens!
The screenings of the Beyond Borders – Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival drew significant attention from the public, with packed auditorium at the Greek Film Archive from March 29th to 31st, marking three sold-out days of screenings. The festival’s awarded documentaries not only impressed but also ignited discussions, raised questions, and prompted reflections, effectively fostering a platform for meaningful dialogue. The aim is to continue these engagements and dialogues with the broader audience every March in Athens, while the awarded films will also journey to the respective Cinematheques of Istanbul and Switzerland each autumn. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the eagerly anticipated 9th edition of Beyond Borders, scheduled for August 25th to September 1st, 2024, in Kastellorizo, with film submissions open until April 30th, 2024.
DEI – PPC (Public Power Corporation), as the strategic partner of Beyond Borders, played a pivotal role in enabling the screenings to be accessible to all with free admission in Athens, actively championing the arts and culture as pathways to a brighter future, where culture takes precedence.
The significance of high-quality documentary filmmaking, particularly in our era marked by the prevalence of fake news and selective silence, was palpable through the audience’s reactions to the festival’s films addressing themes such as the violence of colonialism, oppression, the ravages of war, LGBTQIA+ rights, mental health struggles, and the underlying scars of ignorance, fanaticism, and xenophobia.
Award-winning Canadian director Jordan Paterson, who disclosed his plans for a documentary on the Polytechnic uprising, delved into the ideological framework of filmmakers, issues of consent and access for participants, and the potential for documentaries to challenge dominant narratives within the film industry and mainstream media during his masterclass on exploring migration through film lenses.
Director Vera Iona Papadopoulou, whose documentary “I woke up 18” received the Special Odysseus Award, shared insights after the screening, underscoring the essence of documentary filmmaking: “For me, this film truly began after filming wrapped up. Throughout the filming process, I formed profound connections with the protagonists, who became integral to my life. One of the individuals managed to secure asylum, while another began attending school and continues to persevere. With the support of Solidarity Now, the film was screened in Strasbourg and the EU, sparking dialogue on the issue. Legislative changes regarding unaccompanied children attending school were enacted. Through these post-filming developments, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of documentaries. Documentaries may be the sole artistic medium capable of effecting direct social change, which now serves as my primary motivation as a filmmaker.”
Also in attendance at the festival was Sofia Farantatou, director of “Bitter September,” which recounts her personal connection with Zack Kostopoulos and his tragic murder. The film premiered in Greece at the festival, garnering the Bronze Phoenix Award. Farantatou shed light on her relationship with Zack, their planned documentary on Athens’ emerging drag scene, Zack’s experience of inhumane violence, and the media’s handling of the incident, emphasizing the ongoing legal proceedings and the need for public awareness.
Beyond Borders – Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival remains committed to bringing meticulously curated documentaries that illuminate the unexplored and profound aspects of our world to audiences, ensuring that ignorance is no excuse.
We look forward to seeing you at Kastellorizo for the 9th edition!
Organized by the Hellenic History Foundation (IDISME) in collaboration with the French Ecrans des Mondes.
With the generous support of the Hellenic Parliament, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of National Defense, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Greek Radio Television (ERT), the Greek Film Center, the Embassy of Australia in Athens, the Embassy of Germany in Athens, and the Embassy of the United States in Athens.
Watch the promotional video of the event HERE. Find photos of the films HERE. Explore snapshots of the event HERE.