PRESS CONFERENCE
PANTELIS VOULGARIS
This year, the 43rd International Thessaloniki Film Festival presents 21 fiction films and documentaries by one of the greatest Greek directors, Pantelis Voulgaris.
In the director's press conference today at Warehouse C of the port, the director of the Festival, Michel Demopoulos, welcomed Mr. Voulgaris. "This isn't the first time that we host Mr. Voulgaris. This year, though, is the first time that we've organised a complete retrospective of his work that includes all of his short and feature films as well as a representative portion of his television work. This is the most complete tribute to Pantelis Voulgaris".

"Happily surprised"
"The most important thing about the Festival, though, is the chance to get in touch with the younger audience that isn't familiar with my work since it isn't available on video or DVD. I was happily surprised to see full houses during the screenings of my films. Young people were touched by the films and spoke with me. I find this more important than any other aspect of the Festival. I would like to take this chance to dedicate this tribute of mine to all my directors friends that have passed away", said Mr. Voulgaris.

Brides
Pantelis Voulgaris had the chance to speak about his new film Brides: "Because of its topic, Brides could possibly have the same dynamics as Stone years. When my wife, Ioanna Karistiani, and I were putting together the initial screenplay, we visited a wealthy friend in Chicago who seemed interested in funding films in Greece. When she rejected the plan it was stored away because of financial limitations. Scorcese, who is familiar with my work, became interested in the project and so I revived it. Two years went by before I completed the screenplay. Most of the film's financial support has now been guaranteed with the help of the Greek Film Centre, the Ministry of Culture and Alpha TV. Only a small portion of the money remains to be secured as well as deciding on the actor for the starring role. I believe that we will begin shooting in March and the film should be finished by the end of 2003".

About new directors
Referring to the young directors, Mr. Voulgaris said that, "They're free from the constraints and limitations of conventions and the fear of reproducing other directors. The Festival and the Greek Film Centre should focus on providing the grounds for liberal expression of the younger generation of directors".
Pantelis Voulgaris encouraged young filmmakers to examine common people, the people living next door: "A few years ago when I was part of the jury of the Short Film Festival of Drama, I had the chance to see 75 short films, 90% of which dealt with people who woke up at 12:00, had a glass of whiskey and lounged in the living room. In truth, though, life begins at 5:00 in the morning. That's when cities fill with people going to work. I suggest we turn towards this issue".

Tribute gala for the director
Last night at the Olympion theatre, the 43rd International Thessaloniki Film Festival payed tribute to the director with a gala in honour of his work. In his speech, Michel Demopoulos, the director of the Festival said: "We honour one of the founders and leading representatives of New Greek Cinema, Pantelis Voulgaris. Far from rhetoric and melodrama, his films are identified by their humanity, compassion and realism. His passionate outlook that is evident in his characters offers a vivacious cinematographic approach. He is one of the most sensitive artists of Greek cinema". Prominent writers, Dimitris Nollas and Menis Koumandareas also spoke about Pantelis Voulgaris.

"I owe you the Golden Alexander"
The President of the General Assembly of the Thessaloniki Film Festival, director, Theo Angelopoulos presented the Golden Alexander award to Pantelis Voulgaris saying: "As president of the Festival, I have a Golden Alexander award with me that I owe you. I would also like to offer you, though, another Alexander award, of friendship and honour". Pantelis Voulgaris thanked the Festival and noted that, "I'm fortunate to have become involved with cinema. A lifetime of happiness and sorrow in a place I adore and with people that I truly love".

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