The enchanting island of Santorini recently witnessed the culmination of a cinematic journey unlike any other. The 6th Santorini Film Festival, organised by HFP, a testament to the creative spirit, unfolded against the backdrop of this Cycladic gem, hosting both young cinephiles and seasoned filmmakers.
The festival set sail with an animation workshop, “From Tomato to Pulp,” guided by Ioanna Giakoumatou on July 13th. Little cinephiles dived into the world of imagination at the Tomato Industrial Museum. This immersive experience not only introduced them to cinema and animation basics but also wove in the island’s culture and history. The joy radiating from their faces painted a vivid picture of the festival’s success.
As the sun graced the sky on July 14th, the festivities continued at the renowned CineKamari venue. With approximately 170 eager spectators, from Greeks to foreigners, locals to tourists, the heartwarming space created an atmosphere of unity. Among the audience were Sergio Jaén Sánchez of “Traje de luces,” Georgia Marshall, the film’s production designer, Lesya Kalynska and TJ Collins from “A Rising Fury,” and Kostoula Tomadaki from “Mother of the Station.”
The carefully curated lineup of films sparked an exquisite cinematic flow, offering a diverse cultural voyage. From the animation gem “3geNARRATIONS” to the heartwarming “Firecracker Story,” the festival illuminated unique storytelling from around the world. Antonis Kitsikis’ “Abyssal Zone” and “TolisLive” by A. Rellos garnered high praise from the captivated audience.
The festival’s pinnacle moment arrived with the announcement of winners:
Best International Feature Film: “Otar’s Death” by Ioseb Soso Bliadze
Best Short Film: “Polywood” by Alessio Mineo
Best Short Documentary: “Liturgy of anti-tank Obstacles” by Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk
Best Feature Documentary: “The Honey Movie” by Sasha Nikitin
Best Music Video: “Hiding” by Shelby Rahe – Bellhoss
Best Short Animation: “3geNARRATIONS” by Paulina Ziółkowska Fumi Studio
Best Experimental Short Winner: “Intrance” by Diana Olifirova
Best Student Short: “A Firecracker Story” by Zhizi Hao
Best Greek Feature Production: “Dignity” by Dimitris Katsimiris
As the stars adorned the Cycladic sky, the festival marked its triumphant end, leaving an indelible imprint on both the island and the hearts of all who attended. With anticipation and gratitude, we eagerly await the next Santorini Film Festival, a celebration of cinematic excellence and global unity. Until we meet again under the starlit skies of Santorini, we continue to support and cherish the world of indie filmmaking wherever it shines its light.
Discover more about the Santorini Film Festival at:
Website: https://santorinifilmfest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantoriniFilmFestival/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santorinifilmfest/
