The festival, which has already begun to establish its own distinct voice on the film festival map, promises its participants and visitors a unique summer cinema experience through its renewed program.
A Canvas of Polyphony and Creation
“The aim of the festival is to be a platform of expression for all the voices of cinema”, said the Artistic Director, Stelios Christoforou, during the press conference on June 25 in the Antisocial art space in the center of Athens. This philosophy is fully reflected in this year’s festival program, which embraces and gives a platform to emerging and established filmmakers from all over the world.
“The aim of the festival is to be a platform of expression for all the voices of cinema”
Photo credit: Alexandra Riba – The Artistic Director of the Anafis Festival, Stelios Christoforou
At the same time, the new visual identity of the festival was presented, curated by the festival’s visual curator George Georgopoulos and inspired by the natural landscape of the island, which is inextricably linked to the festival. “Immortal”, which is the central element of the new identity, is the tree that you will find in many places in Anafi. It is the symbol of the eternal, that which has neither beginning nor end. “The open-air cinema will become our ‘eternal’ home for the days of the festival and we hope the memories created there will stay with us forever,” said art curator George Georgopoulos.
The central elements of this year’s visual identity of the 2nd Anafis Festival by George Georgopoulos.
We are very pleased to announce that at the end of the press conference for the Anafis Festival, the National Organization of Cinema and Audiovisual Media (ECOME) expressed its warm support for the festival.
The support of EKOME is an extremely important recognition of the value and contribution of the Anafis Festival in the field of cinema and art. Our collaboration with EKOME opens up new possibilities for the development and evolution of the festival, for the benefit of the artists, the public and the wider society. We would like to sincerely thank ECOME for its support. Their trust and support are a strong motivation to continue our work with dedication and enthusiasm. We are sure that our collaboration with EKOME will bear fruit and contribute to the establishment of the Anafis Festival as one of the most important film festivals in Greece and internationally.
Freedom of speech and expression is at the heart of this year’s event
AnafIFF supports the ability of creators to express their views freely and without restrictions and taboos. Unlike a modern society that tends to silence and reject different voices, AnafIFF embraces diversity and authenticity. It offers a platform where filmmakers can express themselves freely, ask critical questions and provoke a fruitful dialogue with the audience.
Photo credit: Alexandra Riba
“We opened the call for film submissions to see what concerns the filmmakers, what they are interested in expressing and what concerns them. Through cinema, they have the opportunity to talk regarding issues that concern us too. We are here to listen and see what they want to tell us”, said Mr. Christoforou, among others, emphasizing the importance of polyphony and diversity in the selection of films. He also underlined the dedication of the festival team to highlighting new talents and creating a bridge between the creators, the public and the local community of the island.
A Rich and Diverse Program
The 2nd Anafis International Film Festival will screen this year 47 short films from around the worldof which 14 bear the Greek signature, carefully selected among more than 400 nominations. The films will be shown in 7 different thematic sections, covering all genres of cinema (experimental, documentary, animation, fiction) and offering a multidimensional and deep cinematic experience to every viewer.
Photo credit: Alexandra Riba – Film screening under the stars
The program’s thematic sections are designed to challenge and inspire viewers to explore man’s relationship with nature, the concept of memory and identity, life and death, psychological responses to uncertainty, sacred sins and atonement, as well as the unseen stories and taboos of our society. Through the lens of talented directors, viewers will be immersed in stories that concern us all.
Cinema and beyond the canvas
AnafIFF is not limited to cinema screenings. Its aim is to create a comprehensive experience for participants, giving the baton to multi-thematic parallel events, aimed at all ages and experience levels. A butoh workshop, discussions with directors and actors, musical events and networking events, come to enrich the program, giving viewers the opportunity to delve deeper into the art of cinema and everything that surrounds it. Finally, the festival will host a surprise MasterClass with leading actress Tamila Kulieva.
In more detail regarding the parallel events:
Photography Workshop
A special photography workshop, coordinated by Antigoni Papantoni and Mia Felić, with the theme of “connection”. Participants will take part in a collective and creative experience centered on the island’s natural environment and the possibilities it offers for a sense of connection. The group will go on photo walks to collect local plants and objects to be used as materials for photography or for lumen printing, an alternative photography technique that uses solar energy to print on light-sensitive paper. The final result of the workshop will be the creation of a collective photo book, which will be presented at the end of the festival. The open call for entries will be announced on the festival’s instagram so stay tuned.
Butoh dance workshop
As part of the Anafis International Film Festival 2024, a separate Butoh dance workshop entitled “DEEP SEA MEMORY” is being organized under the guidance of Vicky Philippa. This workshop will combine the art of Butoh dance with performance and final filming. The workshop is open to everyone, regardless of dance experience level. Those interested can register here. Places are limited, so early registration is recommended.
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