Thessaloniki Film ‌Festival ignites amidst global turmoil

A⁣ festival under the shadow of global crises

Despite pristine blue skies⁤ over Greece’s second city, the ⁣65th Thessaloniki Film Festival begins on October 31, casting more than cinematic shadows.​ Raging global conflicts, like‍ the war in Ukraine approaching its third‍ year‌ and the longstanding Israel-Hamas tension threatening the Middle⁤ East, cloud the proceedings. Meanwhile, the U.S. prepares for a critical election that could⁢ redefine its democracy with ‍the eyes ​of the world keenly observant.

The quest for meaningful⁢ cinema

For Thessaloniki festival​ director,​ a seasoned hand steering ⁤the event since 2016, these turbulent ​times underscore the necessity of “finding movies that matter.” The call ‌for films that ⁣resonate ​with our current existential realities—spanning wars, ‍climate‌ change,⁤ and political⁤ extremism—has never been more⁢ compelling.

A grand opening and a poignant finale

This year, from October 31⁣ to November‌ 10, the festival opens with the national premiere of Pablo Larraín’s “Maria”, ⁢starring Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria ⁣Callas. Both ‍iconic and⁢ singular ⁢in her ​artistry, Callas is hailed as “the‌ most important Greek artist of⁢ the 20th century.” The festival closes powerfully⁤ with “The End,” a post-apocalyptic musical by Joshua Oppenheimer, featuring ​Tilda Swinton ⁢and Michael Shannon.

Oppenheimer’s film mirrors the present global mood, delving into themes of cultural⁣ preservation amidst engineered chaos.

Monsters on​ the ​screen and ​in our midst

Highlighting the festival’s thematic depth, the tribute program, “We, the​ Monsters,” ⁢ examines the allegorical use ⁤of monsters in cinema.⁤ Curated ⁣by a⁣ former Berlin and Locarno artistic director, ‌the program explores how these⁤ mythical creatures represent societal ‌fears and the “other” in a disquietingly relevant ⁤contemporary ⁢context.

“The⁣ monster increasingly reflects our‌ own​ image,” observes the festival director. As populism, ⁢extreme⁣ political choices, and societal hostility give ⁤rise ⁣to‌ real-world monstrosities, we confront the uncomfortable truth that these monsters ​can ⁣be found within.

The power of cinema ‌in shaping thought

Drawing ‌from⁣ the wisdom of Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis,‍ who warned​ that “when you​ get accustomed to the monster, you start to look alike,” the ⁣festival underscores cinema’s ⁤vital role in vigilant ⁣self-reflection.

While the ⁣director concedes that cinema may not ‍change the world, he asserts that ​it ⁤has ‍the power to transform individual perspectives and⁢ societal reactions to global crises.

Celebrating lifetime achievements and ⁣legendary cinema

Among the festival’s most anticipated events is a special screening of “The English Patient,” attended by its stars, Juliette Binoche and‌ Ralph Fiennes. Both actors​ will receive ‌honorary​ Golden ⁤Alexander awards, recognizing‌ their ‍illustrious contributions to the film industry.

Additionally, prolific actor Matt Dillon⁢ will present‍ “Being‍ Maria,” a biopic of Maria Schneider, underlining the festival’s celebration of impactful storytelling.

Honoring ⁤pioneering voices in ⁢Greek cinema

The festival also pays homage ⁢to groundbreaking director Panos ​Koutras with an Honorary Golden Alexander for ‌his contributions to Greek and international cinema. His retrospectives, such ⁣as​ “The⁤ Attack of the Giant Moussaka,” “Strella,” and “Xenia,” testify to his‌ distinctive voice in Greek queer cinema.

Competing films and the rise of new talent

Screening a⁤ total of 252 films, this year’s competition includes works from emerging ⁣directors,⁤ like Leonardo‌ Van⁣ Dijl’s “Julie Keeps ‌Quiet,” and Damian Kocur’s ⁣“Under the Volcano.” These films, alongside others vying for the Golden Alexander, illustrate the diversity and innovation flourishing in contemporary cinema.

Spotlight on ‍Greek films

The host ​nation proudly presents​ 22 feature-length and 24 short⁢ films, ​with several competing for top honors. Among these​ is ⁣ Yorgos Zois’ “Arcadia,” and treasured works ⁢by new Greek filmmakers who are gaining international acclaim.

A hopeful resurgence for⁣ the Greek film industry

Bolstered by the festival’s mission to support local ​cinema, Greek⁤ filmmakers are making ⁢significant⁣ inroads on the global stage, showcasing a “strength of ⁤our industry” that is emerging robustly despite past economic ⁢challenges.

The⁢ director reflects on a new generation of filmmakers‌ bringing Greek cinema to international festivals and platforms worldwide, ‌offering a beacon of hope in⁢ tumultuous times.

Stay engaged with the vibrant world⁤ of cinema by sharing this festival’s highlights on⁤ social media and ​stay tuned for further updates on films that stir the soul‌ and reflect our collective‌ journey.