Amidst a warm atmosphere, and with the leading actress of Jim Jarmusch’s film, Father Mother Sister Brother, in attendance — the wonderful Indya Moore — the opening ceremony of the 66th Thessaloniki International Film Festival took place on Thursday, October 30th, in the packed Olympion theater. The event was introduced by the Deputy Minister of Culture, responsible for Contemporary Culture, Iason Fotilas, the Deputy Minister of Interior, responsible for Macedonia and Thrace of Greece, Konstantinos Gkioulekas, the Deputy Governor of the Metropolitan Region of Thessaloniki, Konstantinos Gioutikas, and the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis. On behalf of the Festival, the audience was welcomed by the President of the Festival’s Board of Directors, Akis Sakellariou, the Vice President, Katerina Bei, and the Board members, Pinelopi Valti, Spyros Vougias, Maria Kriara, and Synthia Sapika, the Festival’s General Director, Elise Jalladeau, as well as the Festival’s Artistic Director, Orestis Andreadakis. The opening ceremony was presented by Grigoris Eleftheriou, composer and creator of the online alter ego babaka.gr, who added a light-hearted note to the evening.
Taking the stage at Olympion, Mr. Andreadakis initially stated: “Ministers, Mr. Deputy Regional Governor, Mr. Mayor, Members of Parliament, dear friends of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, the host for tonight’s ceremony is a musician and a composer, who has also participated in our Festival; however, the reason we invited him tonight has more to do with the film we are about to watch, which revolves around family and children. Being a new father himself, he created the online alter ego babaka.gr, where he recounts the adventures of fatherhood, which I am also now going through for the second time. Frequently, he even steps into the children’s shoes.”
Immediately afterwards, Grigoris Eleftheriou took the stage. “Good evening and welcome to the 66th Thessaloniki International Film Festival! I would like to sincerely thank the Festival for giving me the privilege of welcoming you this year.” Next, the audience enjoyed the spots of this year’s edition, which draw inspiration from the two paintings by the visual artist Stefanos Rokos. The spots, two short-length animated films, were created by Stefanos Rokos in collaboration with film director and animator Fokion Xenos, and feature a music score composed by the renowned American musician of Greek origin, Jim Sclavunos.
Subsequently, Elise Jalladeau took the floor: “Tonight’s evening is about cinema, but also about our lives with children; the small world we experience alongside them, as well as the greater world we pass on to future generations, whether we have children or not. Here, we all care about the world of tomorrow, about future generations, our children’s children. The environmental crisis is only one of the crises we are facing. But there are many others happening all around us, even within our neighborhoods: economic crises, social crises, wars, different forms of communication, or non-communication. And all of these affect our psyche, as well as the psyche of younger or older children. Our goal, here at the Festival, is to talk about all the pressing issues of our time, and to find solutions together, face to face. To turn the tables, flip the script and introduce a plot twist, which is also this year’s central theme. Because art exists to remind us not to lose hope. And the Festival has always been, is, and will continue to be a statement of hope.”
She then went on to thank all the participants, staff and volunteers alike, as well as the Board of Directors. “Of course, I would like to thank the Minister of Culture, Mrs. Lina Mendoni, the Deputy Minister of Culture, responsible for Contemporary Culture, Mr. Iason Fotilas, the Ministry of Culture for its support, the Region of Central Macedonia which supports us through the NSRF (ESPA), the Municipality of Thessaloniki, all public organizations, institutions, all our sponsors, and supporters. I hope you enjoy the Festival and the screenings, and that we all have a wonderful time together!” Elise Jalladeau added.
Later on, Grigoris Eleftheriou invited the Mayor of Thessaloniki on stage, Stelios Angeloudis, who commended the Festival as an institution: “Ministers, Members of Parliament, Mr. Deputy Regional Governor, dear cinephiles, filmmakers, artists, and spectators, each autumn Thessaloniki transforms. The streets are filled with lights, voices, stories, and gazes that look beyond the surface. The Thessaloniki Film Festival is here. Not only as an institution, but also as living proof that art continues to unite us, touch us, and most importantly incite us to think differently. In an era marked by fast-paced times, contemporary images, and easy answers, cinema remains a space of respite, a breather that allows us to pause and look deeper, to listen, to understand. It is the language that speaks to everyone, irrespective of place, gender, or age. It is the reflection of our soul, as well as a window to the world. I often think of Jean-Luc Godard’s words; cinema generates memory, television oblivion. I would also like to thank Orestis and Elise, the staff, the volunteers, all the people working alongside you and paving the way for this year’s Festival, welcoming diversity, the voices of new creators, and the stories that are worth telling. For yet another year, the Festival prioritizes providing meaningful, practical support for Greek film production. Promoting domestic production and providing Greek filmmakers the opportunity to come into contact and connect with their colleagues from abroad are among our Festival’s greatest successes. The 66th International Film Festival brings together creative, active citizens, and fosters a dialogue on the major issues of current affairs,” the Mayor of Thessaloniki stated.
Immediately afterwards, Stelios Angeloudis referred to the practical support offered by the Municipality of Thessaloniki in the Festival’s organization. As of this year, it supports the Best Director Award – Silver Alexander in the Meet the Neighbors competition section, accompanied by the cash prize of 5,000 euros. “This is a tribute to everything the Festival has offered over the years to this ageless city. Each film is an invitation to reexamine life, to reinvent it, if possible, through somebody else’s eyes. So let us allow the light of cinema to guide us. Cinema that, even today, in these trying and uncertain times, can still shift perceptions. It may even be able to make us better people. Let’s celebrate boldness and imagination with passion, two elements which are becoming increasingly scarce in our daily lives. Let’s welcome the images that will transport us, move us, and stay with us for a long time to come. For indeed, no art form engages our consciousness to the extent that a film does, reaching directly to the recesses of our emotions, deep into the twilight of the soul. Because cinema is not just art. It is a true rite of initiation. It is memory, magic, dialogue, but also a dream. It is the lights flickering shut, the progression of the story, the closing credits, the applause, and many times, it is also about watching a film in its natural setting, the dream. And today, here in Thessaloniki, the dream awakens once more. Welcome to the Thessaloniki Film Festival and this beautiful city as visitors, participants, creators. Enjoy the screenings and have a wonderful festival!” Stelios Angeloudis said, wrapping up his speech.
Grigoris Eleftheriou invited the Deputy Governor of the Metropolitan Region of Thessaloniki, Mr. Konstantinos Gioutikas, to the stage: “Good evening, everyone. Friends and fellow lovers of the seventh art, welcome to the 66th Thessaloniki International Film Festival and to the city that has embraced this institution for 66 years. A unique institution that has left its own special impression on all our hearts. Thessaloniki is not just the place that hosts the Festival. It is its living pulse. Here, cinema encounters people, anxieties, ideas, and dreams from every era. It is the point of convergence, where art transforms into a bridge, uniting creators, audiences, and cultures from all around the world. Each year, the Festival is more than just a series of screenings; it is a celebration of creativity. A celebration that spreads throughout the city. It fills movie theaters, squares, streets, and it is sustained by the people. By young people, in particular, who keep the spark of creativity alive with their energy and vitality. The Festival is constantly evolving. It listens, observes, inspires, and thus becomes more than just a venue for screenings. It becomes a reflection of our times and, simultaneously, a window to the future,” Mr. Gioutikas initially mentioned.
“Ministers, Mr. Mayor, Members of Parliament, members of the Festival’s Board of Directors, dear friends, the Region of Central Macedonia is truly proud to stand beside the Festival through action. We have supported this institution from the very beginning. We firmly believe that culture is not a luxury. It is a necessity, a source of power, and our identity. We have achieved a great deal in recent years through the Film Office of the Region of Central Macedonia, particularly as it pertains to highlighting our region as an attractive destination for film productions. More than 160 international productions have been filmed here, in our region, seven of them by some of the world’s largest production companies. The most recent one, completed a week ago in Thessaloniki, achieved impressive results with stunning shots at the White Tower, in Kalamaria, and at the castles of Ano Poli. Thus, step by step, the Region of Central Macedonia is establishing its own position on the global cinema map. These days, we are hosting for the first time in Greece, the leading European training workshop for producers of audiovisual works. This is a great success made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Region, the Festival, and its Agora. For us, investing in culture and creativity is not a political choice, it reflects our sincere belief that through art we can learn to look at things more profoundly and understand the world better. And most importantly, we can grow closer to one another. I would like to congratulate the administration of the Festival, the volunteers, the filmmakers, and most importantly, all of you who are truly the heart and soul of the Festival each year. I am sure that upon leaving the movie theaters in the coming days, we will all continue to carry within us some of the magic of the cinema. A thought, a new sentiment, or a new perspective on the human values that unite us. Enjoy the festival and the screenings!” Kostantinos Gioutikas stressed.
At this point, Grigoris Eleftheriou called upon the Deputy Minister of the Interior, responsible for Macedonia and Thrace of Greece, Mr. Konstantinos Gkioulekas. “Welcome to Thessaloniki, the city where the Film Festival was born. It was born, spent its childhood and adolescence here, and now, at the ripe old age of 66, it is still here, more confident than ever, because every year it comes up with new surprises. It is very important for us to convey the message that Thessaloniki was not only the birthplace of the Film Festival, but also of the first filmmakers. The Manaki brothers were from Thessaloniki. It is thanks to them that we now have film footage of certain places and landmarks in our region. Similarly, it is thanks to cinema that we are even able to see Thessaloniki transform, changing from the still image of a photograph to a moving picture, allowing us to learn a great deal. Many other institutions also originated here. Radio in Greece made its first broadcast from this city. Television also made its debut broadcast from the Thessaloniki International Fair. This year, the Festival once again raises its curtain so that we can watch both international and Greek productions. Some of the most important discussions I had as a journalist were with people from the world of cinema, one of whom – perhaps the patriarch of old Greek cinema – was Nikos Kavoukidis. We owe a lot to these people, and we must not forget them. Switch off the lights, let the screenings begin!” concluded Konstantinos Gkioulekas.
The evening's host then gave the floor to the Deputy Minister of Culture, responsible for Contemporary Culture, Mr. Iasonas Fotilas. “Friends and cinema enthusiasts, good evening. It is a pleasure to meet you here again. At the historic Olympion, which has been renovated and refurbished to welcome us to the opening of yet another Festival, a Festival that houses the heart and soul of Greek cinema. The honor is even greater for me, as at today's celebration of cinema I am representing the Ministry of Culture and the Minister, Lina Mendoni. Browsing the program of the 66th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, which is about to begin, is truly impressive: 278 feature and short-length films in the venues, and 86 films available online through the Festival's digital platform. Equally remarkable are the notable figures of Greek and international cinema, who will deliver fascinating masterclasses open to the public, including the bold and brilliant Isabelle Huppert. Or the renowned cinematographer Frederick Elmes, a long-time collaborator of Jim Jarmusch and David Lynch. And our very own Yiorgos Tsemperopoulos, to whom the Festival is dedicating a tribute and bestowing an honorary Golden Alexander Award. And to make sure there's no doubt that the Thessaloniki Festival's recipe will be a hit, Sotiris Kontizas has taken on the role of the Agora's ambassador,” Mr. Fotilas noted. “I would also like to mention the honorary event dedicated to the actors and films of the 1960s, and to the historic Greek production company, Finos Film. I would like to encourage you to express your gratitude to those responsible for creating this program: Orestis Andreadakis and Elise Jalladeau, as well as all the staff, collaborators, and volunteers of the Festival. They all go way above and beyond their duties, and I think they truly deserve a big round of applause,” he added.
“The Ministry of Culture and the government believe in cinema and audiovisual media both as a source of cultural creativity and as a growth factor. Cultural creativity, which means opportunities for expression, identity, and perspective. Growth, driven by opportunities for employment, the activity around the audiovisual industry, the attraction of international producers, and increased visitor numbers. From this very same podium last year, I told you that the new institution we created for cinema and audiovisual media, the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center, will gradually find its footing and begin to operate within the framework of all our goals and aspirations. This year alone, it has already made over 70 million in payments, working towards fully streamlining the flow to the market and producers. Meanwhile, in selective programs that are entirely community-based, it has already increased its budget from €3.5-4 million to €7.5 million, expanding the boundaries, facilitating access, and consulting with the community. The first part of the public consultation has concluded, and the second part, which is a dialogue with stakeholders and members of the film community, will follow shortly. All of this is being done with complete transparency, as every action, every inclusion, and every payment is immediately posted on its website. And hence the question arises: If everything is this well and good, why are there creators who are protesting? Because we all have the right to demand more and something better for our sector. And it is our duty to listen to them and work with them towards this goal. But let's not forget where we started, the steps we have taken, and primarily, all the planning we have done and the goals we have set.” Concluding his speech, Mr. Fotilas paid a touching tribute to “the one journeying towards the light, Thessaloniki’s eternal adolescent, Dionysis Savvopoulos.”
Then, Orestis Andreadakis took to the Olympion stage to present the opening film, Father Mother Sister Brother, by Jim Jarmusch. “The film we are about to watch won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. I’m certain it will mesmerize you. It’s a triptych about the bonds and ties between family, the misunderstandings, the half-truths, the unfulfilled promises; it’s about intimacy, tenderness, but above all, love. It has all of Jarmusch’s signature elements that we love: his distinctive humor, his penetrating gaze, his unparalleled directorial style, and at the same time it is his most mature and perhaps most personal work. Jim Jarmusch is an old and good friend of the Festival. He would very much like to be with us tonight, but -as you may know- he had a small accident. He broke his hand and is now unable to travel.”
However, Jim Jarmusch sent a video note, in which, among others, he also mentioned: “What a beautiful place Thessaloniki is, and its Film Festival, which is among my favorites. I’m very proud that my film, Father Mother Sister Brother, will be showcased here. It is a very subdued film, which I hope you will resonate with. I hope it will generate empathy simply through observation, without casting judgement on the characters involved. We are extremely proud that our film is included in the Festival’s program. Thank you so much. I’m there in spirit, and I apologize for not being able to be there in person. A big thank you from all the film’s contributors as well, we send you our respect and best wishes.”
Then, Mr. Andreadakis mentioned that some of the film’s contributors will be in Thessaloniki, including the legendary cinematographer Frederick Elmes, who has also worked on other films by Jarmuch, as well as by David Lynch, and will be delivering a masterclass and participating in a discussion with the audience, as well as the producer Atilla Salih Yücer, and the renowned costume designer Catherine George, who will also deliver a masterclass. “Tonight, we have here with us one of the film’s leading actresses, a radiant new face in global cinema whose captivating performance in this film establishes her as one of the finest actresses of her generation, and which I'm certain will earn her numerous awards. In fact, her first nomination for a Gotham Award was announced just yesterday. So, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen please welcome Indya Moore,” Orestis Andreadakis said, welcoming her on stage.
Taking the floor, Indya Moore stated: “I’m very happy to be here, to share this film with you. It is an important film which makes me think about all our fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers. The last three years, many of us have become witnesses to an atrocity we thought we would never see happen to fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers. And I grieve with the entirety of our human diaspora as we spiral into some mysterious space of self-destruction. However, films, TV, and storytelling remind us that we are not just individuals, but that we exist as a collective; we hear our neighbor’s laughter, crying, and sorrow. We are all reflections of one another. To build a safe future for our children, we must remember that every single person’s experience is a reflection of everyone else’s. If we don’t keep that in mind, we may lose the opportunity to continue our love and joy and creation of families on this planet earth. As you watch this film, I hope you do not think only of your own family, but also of everyone else’s with the same level of regard you ponder your own. Thank you for the invitation. Thessaloniki is a magical place.”
The screening of the film, Father Mother Sister Brother, followed, which will be released by Cinobo and will, subsequently, be available at cinobo.com. Immediately afterwards, the grand opening party at Warehouse C kicked off, with the beloved SKIADARESES.
Indya Moore was dressed by the fashion designer, Angelos Bratis.
The 66th Thessaloniki Film Festival is held with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Partnership Agreement of the Central Macedonia Regional Operational Program 2021-2027 and the MEDIA program. Valuable is the support of ERT (Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation), official communication sponsor of the Festival, COSMOTE TELEKOM, Grand Sponsor of the Festival, PPC, the Festival’s Strategic Partner, Alpha Bank, the Festival’s accessibility sponsor, Fischer, the Audience Awards sponsor, Aegean, the Festival’s official air-carrier, and Jameson.
