SydneysBuzz

 It has been a busy, mingling, overwhelming, exciting, unforgettable five days. We have so many people to thank and so many memorable moments to remember. The huge success of our festival this year proves nothing more and nothing less than that the cinema is strong and alive! We have reached 3000 admissions this year, a record for our festival! The dark cinema hall and the togetherness of watching films is powerful, unique and irreplaceable. That is why we chose, choose, and always will choose the bloody BIG screen, as our moto declares this year! 

AWARDS

The winner of the Emerging Greeks Award, which is accompanied by the amount of 1,000 euros and sponsored by the Greek Film Centre, was the film Animal by Sofia Exarchou under the following justification: “The film combines an artistic cinematographic proposition with a political narrative diving in the underbelly of capitalism; a fiction rooted in reality, which does not let you look away”.

The award was received by Flomaria Papadaki, one of the protagonists of the film.

A Special Mention was awarded to the film Medium by Christina Ioakeimidi under the following justification: “The Jury has decided to give a special mention to a promising voice coming out of Greek cinema, a film that shines through its mise-en-scène, a gentle and respectful portrayal of intimacy”.

The Special Mention was received by Christina Ioakeimidi, director of the film.

The winner of the Documentary Award, which is accompanied by the amount of 500 euros and sponsored by Musou Music Group, was the documentary film Grief - Those Who Remain by Myrto Patsalidou and Maria Louka under the following justification: “Fascism must be stopped. Addressing this most pressing sociopolitical issue of our times through the fates of three young people, the filmmakers show the absurdity of hate and give a voice to the parents who don’t accept grieving in silence”.

The award was received by Myrto Patsalidou, co-director of the film.

The Emerging Greeks & Documentary Award Jury consisted of Marie-Pierre Macia (producer, film expert), Malik Berkati (FIPRESCI critic, political scientist) and Christopher Zitterbart (producer). 

Marie Pierre, Malik and Chris, you are amazing! Thank you! 

The directors of the winning films of the Emerging Greeks Competition and Documentary were awarded by Crew United Greece with a 3-year free Premium membership subscription on Crew United, the global networking platform connecting cinema professionals.

The winner of the Short Film Award, which is accompanied by the amount of 500 euros and sponsored by Illuseum Berlin, was the short film Buffer Zone by Savvas Stavrouunder the following justification: “The characters of the film are champions of unity in a world overshadowed by conflict. Their unwavering commitment to peace inspires us to dream of a borderless world filled with love and understanding, navigating with unwavering love. The award goes to a film, which is unfortunately always timely, but filled with hope for the future”.

The award was received by a representative of the Illuseum Berlin on behalf of Savvas Stavrou.