KinoFest gives new life to the grounds of the historic Castro Clauss winery and turns them into a summer cinema!
The most important film event of Patras, returns every September to offer young and old from Greece and abroad, an experiential experience in a historical space full of memories.
From the 18th to the 22nd of September, the wonderful space of CastroClauss in Patras turns into an outdoor summer cinema with free screenings of German-language short and feature films!
KinoFest – German-language Film Festival starts in a few days in Patras, while in the winter, part of its screenings will be transferred to Athens.
For the first time this year, the Festival has a competition section in which 8 films from Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Luxembourg participate. The jury consists of: Anna Routsi (lawyer, columnist, documentary researcher), Prodromos Tsinikoris (actor, director) and Alexia Bezikis (actress).
KinoFest started as an idea to transform for a few days into a cinema center a magical space, the space of CastroClauss: the oldest winery in Greece. To give an alternative use, that of the cinema, to a place which is inextricably linked to a traditional cultural activity: that of the art of wine.
However, as a sign of respect to the roots of this landmark, it was decided that the Festival will be German-speaking in honor (and in the language) of its Bavarian founder, Gustavus Clauss who 163 years ago founded Achaia Clauss.
Thus, for a few days, a summer open air festival will be set up, in the context of which German-language long and short films of the latest production from Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Luxembourg will be shown in co-organization with the Goethe–ZentrumPatras and with the valuable support of the Federal Republic of Germany in Greece, the Embassy of Switzerland in Greece, the Austrian Embassy in Athens and the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Athens.
KinoFest – German-language Film Festival was founded by ABCinema in collaboration with the Goethe-Zentrum Patras with the aim of highlighting the best German-language films and promoting German-language audiovisual creation in Greece.
The Festival gives the Greek and international audience a unique opportunity to watch the best new films of contemporary German-language cinema on the big screen.
This year, it will organize children’s workshops and program special screenings in collaboration with the German Film and Television Academy Berlin, a tribute to 70 years of GermanFilms, and a special tribute to The Next Generation, in collaboration with FIRST STEPS – The German Young Talent Award.
In addition, this year KinoFest, in addition to the established Audience Award, will award another award for best film, while hosting a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the death of Franz Kafka as well as a program of the best German short films screened in Clermont–Ferrand International Short Film Festival, the most important short film festival in the world, in collaboration with AG Kurzfilm Association of German Short Films.
Opening film, which also participates in the competition, is Katharina Woll’s Everybody Wants to Be Loved, starring Ina, a woman who puts everyone’s needs before her own, until one hot summer day, when the self-centered her mother celebrates her 70th birthday, something happens that will change everything.
The closing film will be the German film No Younger than the Western Front produced by Netflix, which is one of the most awarded non-English-language films in the history of the Oscars and will be shown on the big screen in Greece for the first time as part of the 70-year anniversary by German Films. The play takes place during the First World War and follows an idealistic young German’s attempt to survive.
ABCinema Social Cooperative Enterprise of Collective and Social Benefit based in Patras has as its founding purpose the dissemination of cinematographic art in the Region of Western Greece.
From 2019 until today, more than 5,000 viewers in Patras and throughout Greece have enjoyed images from Castro Clauss and the German-language films shown at the Festival.
All events and screenings of the KinoFest German-language Film Festival are free for the public, contributing to the extroversion of the institution and to the promotion of Patras and Western Greece as tourist destinations and promoting the principles of cultural diplomacy.
This year more than 30 feature and short films from Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Luxembourg will be screened under the night sky and with a glass of fine wine in hand.
The detailed program will be announced soon on the kinofest.gr website
#days #left #KinoFest #Germanlanguage #Film #Festival
KinoFest 2023: Reviving the Historic Castro Clauss Winery into a Vibrant Summer Cinema
Table of Contents
The beautiful city of Patras is set to welcome back KinoFest, the paramount film event that brings captivating German-language cinema to life. From September 18 to September 22, the enchanting grounds of the historic Castro Clauss winery will transform into an outdoor summer cinema, offering free screenings of both short and feature films. This year’s edition promises to be more exciting than ever, as KinoFest provides a unique cultural experience for film enthusiasts from Greece and beyond.
A Historical Venue with a Cinematic Twist
KinoFest’s origin lies in the desire to breathe new life into the Castro Clauss, the oldest winery in Greece, founded 163 years ago by Bavarian Gustavus Clauss. The festival pays homage to the region’s rich winemaking heritage by offering an alternative cultural experience that pairs the art of film with the art of winemaking. This connection aims to enrich the cultural landscape, making the festival not only a celebration of cinema but also a tribute to local tradition.
A Diverse Array of Films
This year, for the very first time, KinoFest features a competition section with eight films from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg vying for awards. A distinguished jury comprising Anna Routsi (lawyer and documentary researcher), Prodromos Tsinikoris (actor and director), and Alexia Bezikis (actress) will carefully evaluate these films, ensuring that the selection showcases the best that contemporary German-language cinema has to offer.
Special Screenings and Workshops
In addition to regular screenings, KinoFest expands its offerings with children’s workshops and tailored programming in cooperation with renowned institutions, such as the German Film and Television Academy Berlin. Highlights include a tribute to 70 years of German Films and a special focus on The Next Generation, in collaboration with the FIRST STEPS Award. This comprehensive approach not only entertains but educates participants, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cinematic arts.
Noteworthy Screenings and Special Tributes
This year’s opening film, Everybody Wants to Be Loved, directed by Katharina Woll, explores the complexities of relationships through the lens of a woman who has always prioritized the needs of others over her own. The film’s poignant narrative serves as an ideal starting point for the festival, inviting audiences to reflect on their own life choices.
The festival will culminate in a grand closing with the critically acclaimed Netflix production, No Younger than the Western Front, one of the most awarded non-English-language films in Oscar history. Its debut in Greece marks a significant milestone in the festival’s history and highlights the quality of films being showcased.
Additionally, KinoFest will honor Franz Kafka with a tribute commemorating the 100th anniversary of his death, alongside a curated selection of the best German short films that have made waves at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.
Cultural Significance and Community Engagement
Organized by ABCinema in partnership with the Goethe-Zentrum Patras, KinoFest aims to present the finest German-language cinematic works to an enthusiastic audience. With support from the Federal Republic of Germany in Greece, as well as the embassies of Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, the festival stands as a testament to international collaboration in the arts.
Since its inception, KinoFest has played a crucial role in promoting German-language films in Greece, providing citizens and foreign visitors alike with a noteworthy opportunity to engage with contemporary themes through the powerful medium of cinema.
Conclusion: Experience KinoFest 2023
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, KinoFest 2023 offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the delightful world of German-language film amidst the stunning backdrop of the Castro Clauss winery. Mark your calendars from September 18 to September 22 and join us for this enriching experience. Witness the magic of cinema unfold in a historical setting while celebrating cultural diversity and artistic creativity.
Don’t miss out on the chance to create lasting memories at this exceptional summer cinema event!
For more information on the festival schedule and films, visit the official KinoFest website or follow them on social media. Experience the charm of Patras through the lens of cinema at KinoFest 2023!
