The Thessaloniki International Film Festival begins its 67th edition this week with 258 films, including festival favorites, Oscar contenders and works from Greece’s film industry. Artistic director Orestis Andreadakis says the event takes place during a period marked by war, political extremism, social unrest, uncertainty over artificial intelligence and the climate crisis.
Andreadakis told Variety that the festival hopes its films can offer hope, ease pain and resist hostility and dehumanization. He said cinema can broaden perspectives and sharpen awareness and critical thinking.
The festival opens with “Minotaur,” directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, whose previous films include “Leviathan” and “Loveless.” The film, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes and will represent France in the international feature film Oscar race, portrays despair and corruption in Vladimir Putin’s Russia. The festival closes on Nov. 15 with “Woman Unknown,” directed by May el-Toukhy and winner of the Venice Golden Lion. Actress Mathilde Arcel is expected to attend.
Among the other guests are Spanish filmmaker Oliver Laxe, who will curate the “Welcome to the Desert” sidebar and speak to festival audiences. Turkish director Emin Alper will receive a tribute, while German filmmaker Fatih Akin will present his latest film, “Ghost Song.” Greek composer and conductor Stavros Xarchakos and filmmaker Nikos Grammatikos will receive honorary Golden Alexander Awards.
Ten films are competing for the Golden Alexander in the main international competition. The selection includes Walter Thompson-Hernández’s “If I Go Will They Miss Me,” Sarah Arnold’s “Too Many Beasts” and “The Riverbank,” by Brazilian directors Matheus Farias and Enock Carvalho. Three Greek films are also in contention: Konstantina Kotzamani’s “Titanic Ocean,” Efthimis Kosemund Sanidis’ “A Whole Person Almost” and Jacqueline Lentzou’s “A Day in the Life of Jo: Chapter Phaedra.”
In total, 26 Greek feature films and 28 shorts will screen at the festival. Andreadakis said the program brings together emerging voices and established filmmakers, and described Greek cinema as being in a strong position.
Supporting the Greek film industry is also a central part of the festival’s work. Through its industry program, Agora, the event helps directors, producers, distributors, screenwriters, technicians and actors build international partnerships and connect with markets and festivals. The festival has also developed into a meeting place for the international industry, particularly filmmakers from the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
Andreadakis, who has led the festival for 10 years, said the COVID period forced the organization to rethink what a film festival could be, while demonstrating the importance of festivals as places for people to meet. He said Thessaloniki aims to bring audiences, especially younger viewers, back to the shared cinema experience and to strengthen Agora as a hub for European film projects and collaborations.
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival runs from Nov. 5 to 15.
Sources: Variety.