Demi-Demons is an experimental film essay which explores the abysses that emerge inside us when we stray from our innate instincts.

One notable consequence of this distancing in contemporary life is the glorification of the hermaphrodite as the ideal link between women and men. In a departure from traditional gender roles and binaries, the hermaphrodite symbolizes a fusion of femininity and masculinity, embodying the pursuit of unity and balance. However, this idealization can also reflect a deep-seated discomfort with one’s own innate gender and sexuality, leading to a sense of disorientation and confusion.

Similarly, as individuals try to redefine and expand their notions of desire, they search for new modes of physical attraction. With the erosion of traditional norms, people explore unconventional avenues of intimacy and connection, challenging societal expectations and boundaries. This exploration can be liberating, yet it also exposes individuals to vulnerability and uncertainty as they navigate uncharted territory.

Alongside these shifts in physical attraction, there is a parallel quest for higher levels of consciousness. In an increasingly fragmented and chaotic world, individuals yearn for transcendence and enlightenment, seeking meaning beyond the confines of the material realm. Yet, this pursuit can lead to a sense of detachment from the realities of everyday life, fostering a disconnect between mind and body.

In the digital age, the search for pleasure takes on new dimensions as people immerse themselves in virtual worlds and online interactions. The allure of instant gratification and endless choices draws individuals away from the tangible pleasures of the natural world, blurring the line between reality and simulation. This digital escapism offers temporary relief from the stress of contemporary life but can ultimately deepen feelings of isolation and alienation.

As a result of these changes, people are increasingly ambivalent about having children, which becomes a source of conflict within relationships. As societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality evolve, traditional notions of family and procreation are called into question. This conflict underscores the profound implications of distancing ourselves from our natural instincts, challenging fundamental aspects of human identity and existence.

Demi-Demons is made and animated from vintage photos and collages, creating a surreal and thought-provoking atmosphere.

During a visit to my brother over the Christmas holidays, I encountered an extraordinary story about a woman consumed by the irrational fear that the sun would suddenly explode, bringing about the end of the world. In her distress, a kind-hearted psychologist remained by her side, offering comfort and companionship as they awaited what she believed to be the apocalypse. When the anticipated doomsday did not arrive, the woman began to confront and conquer her crippling phobia. This peculiar and poignant narrative inspired this film.
This story led me to ask: What is the end of the world? Initially, we might think of an apocalyptic event, but it is also something deeply personal for each of us.
And then, in a dream, where I heard the end title song (which I inevitably included in the film), everything came together and led me to a story of isolation and a journey from darkness to light, where our fears and life distresses bind us in a continuing grief and sometimes only with the helping hand of a stranger in our lives we can be able to overcome this.
The main character, Eleftheria (in Greek her name means Freedom), is an artist who writes children’s books. After enduring immense pressure, personal turmoil, and a looming deadline for her new book, she becomes paralyzed by the fear of the world ending. Her co-protagonist Demeter is devoured by the loss of her precious daughter looking for her lost letter seeking “little scrambles” of her.
The film explores this theme of moving from darkness to light, using light as a crucial storytelling element. Every significant event in the narrative is marked by a change in lighting, symbolizing the unfolding mystery and the gradual warmth in the relationship between the two characters.
Inspired by The Greek Mythology,” I drew parallels to the myth of Persephone. When Persephone was kidnapped by Hades, Demeter searched everywhere and asked the sun, the all-seeing eye, for help. Despite knowing, the sun did not assist her, and only with Hecate’s help did she find her daughter. This myth inspired the development of the characters’ relationships in the film and the idea of the “daughter’s” missing letter.
A significant effort was made to obscure the exact time period of the events. From the letters to the cassette player, I aimed to depict the end of something close yet surpassed—a farewell to the analog world as we embrace the digital age.
The end of the world is both global and personal. We live in dangerous times, and humanity is at great risk; with a slight mishap, our end could be inevitable. As Demetra hints at the film’s conclusion, “I knew this jerk would burn us all.” We must not let it happen.