SHOOTING STARS
For the first time this year, the Thessaloniki Film Festival's programme includes the new section Shooting Stars, which aims to introduce us to six talented up-and-coming young actors and actresses and aims to promote fresh talent. The programme was established 5 years ago by the European Film Promotion and made its first appearance at the Berlin Film Festival.

In the press conference given today for the six upcoming stars, the director of the Festival, Michel Demopoulos stated:
"We decided to assist this programme in the spirit of the Festival which has always aimed to promote young artists and new trends in Europe. After receiving the offer from the European Film Promotion -which is chiefly responsible for European talent promotion- we decided to support the initiative by presenting a selection of these actors, six to be precise from different European countries. We will also be screening films in which they may or may not have starring roles, but are significant nonetheless. We're proud and happy to present them because the initiative coincides with the Festival's ambitions in general".

Mr. Demopoulos also noted the excellent collaboration between the Festival and the Greek Film Centre in organising the initiative in Thessaloniki.
The secretary of the Greek Film Centre, Voula Georgakakou, stated that, "Shooting Stars is among the most popular programmes of European Film Promotion. This initiative promotes talented newcomers who have surpassed their national fame and haven't had a break for international acclaim. They can meet and discuss with directors and make their films and talent well known abroad".

Who are these stars?
The six young talents presented in Thessaloniki this year, are: Enrique Alcides from Spain in the film Stones, Michael Finger from Switzerland in the film Utopia blues, Fabrizio Gifuni from Italy in the film Empty Eyes, Athena Maximou from Greece in the film Secret November, Maria Wurgler Rich from Denmark in the film Minor mishaps, and Carla Bolito from Portugal in the film Light drops.
The newcomers spoke about the rich experience they gained by participating in the initiative and attending international festivals.

"The most interesting aspect for me is being able to present my work abroad. I already had problems promoting my work in Spain and so the chance to travel around Europe with other upcoming stars and exchange ideas and experiences regarding European cinema -which has been walloped by American cinema- is truly fascinating", said Enrique Alcides.

Michael Finger stated: "I enjoy travelling around Europe, meeting other newcomers and getting in touch with directors and producers. For someone living in a small country like Switzerland, this is a chance of a lifetime".

Maria Wurgler Rich from Denmark said: "It's important for me because I was given the chance to see the industry in its entirety. Cinema is not just about the actors and filming. It's also about international sales and promotion. What I learned through the initiative is that I'm just a small piece of the puzzle. Shooting Stars promotes new talent and gives them the opportunity to be heard in the industry".

Fabrizio Gifuni said: "The greatest part is being able to show your work abroad. Of course, there's the chance to meet other young artists and exchange ideas. Another important thing, though, is that the younger generation of European artists are making it in the industry".

Athena Maximou considers the experience of participating in the Berlin Shooting Stars programme unique because, "I met colleagues from other countries and realised that we share common problems in cinema. This sport called cinema is very expensive and requires a lot of effort and work. All of us here were lucky to begin with but that's not enough. We must work hard".

"The most important thing", for Carla Bolito is, "the chance to meet people and exchange ideas and views with colleagues as well as professionals from cinema. Shooting Stars opens doors, it lets you see things in an international scope. Since we live in the European Union, this is a marvellous chance for an actor or actress to develop their work on a European level. Perhaps in the future we'll see more of this international exchange between countries".

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