Seats
UNLIMITEDH2O My love
Laëtitia MARTINONI, France
13′
Is it reasonable to fall in love during the end of the world ?
Alice and Simon meet as the water war rages.
Director Biography – Laëtitia MARTINONI
After obtaining a cinema and audiovisual license, Laëtitia Martinoni works on film sets as an assistant director. Over the years, she became second and then first assistant, on television and in cinema, and worked regularly with Alexis Michalik, Philippe Lefebvre and Michel Leclerc.
The desire to achieve becomes stronger and stronger. She wrote her first short fiction film, “The escape”, inspired by her own experience with cancer. Produced in 2018, it won around twenty awards at festivals including the European Films Awards. She has since written many projects. “H20 mon amour” is her second short film.
Catwalk
Maria Michael, United Kingdom
15′
In a dystopian fashion contest, an aspiring designer orchestrates a revolution after being betrayed by her best friend, a former competitor. Relying on a new ally to impress society’s elite and escape together, she discovers the toxicity of success.
Director Biography – Maria Michael
Maria Michael is a London-based writer/director originally from Cyprus. Maria graduated with an MA in Directing from Met Film School (Ealing Studios, London), a BA in Acting from Athens Conservatoire Drama School and a BA in Political Sciences from University of Cyprus.
A visionary video director who crafts high-impact narratives and captivating commercial content. With an interest in evoking emotions in dystopian worlds, Maria’s unique storytelling style creates highly stylized and surreal imagery.
In 2020, Maria wrote and directed her debut 3min short film “Reflections.” Following this, Maria wrote and directed the short film “The Pulse Within Us” in New York City, which is distributed by Amazon Prime in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. The film has earned nine official selections from film festivals worldwide, including the Topaz Film Festival in Texas, he Female Filmmakers Fuse Film Festival in Los Angeles, the Toronto International Women Film Festival, the Montreal International Film Festival, and the First Time Filmmaker Sessions. The film was selected as a Semi-Finalist at the Thess International Shorts – TiSFF, a Finalist at the Sunset Film Festival Los Angeles, and it has received an honourable mention from the Athens International Monthly Film Festival.
In 2021, Maria received the AWARD BEST NEW FILM DIRECTOR at the Athens Marathon Film Festival for her film “The Pulse Within Us”.
Since January 2021, Maria has been a member of the Greek Directors Guild, which is a member of the European Federation F.E.R.A and the International Federation M.E.I.
Director Statement
“Catwalk” is more than just a passionate project; it is my personal reflection on today’s paradoxical existence in the world of arts. The idea behind the story is inspired by the thirty-year journey of my mother, who dedicated her life to the fashion industry. Driven by this personal narrative, the film delves into the political dimensions intertwined with the individual journeys of characters, transcending individual relationships to become universally resonant.
As a storyteller with a background in Political Sciences, I adhere to the belief that the personal is inherently political. Carole Hanisch’s assertion, “personal is political,” guided my creative process. Catwalk” unfolds within two contrasting realms—the fashion studio, symbolizing the working class, and the runway, symbolizing the elite. This juxtaposition serves as a metaphorical commentary on the social imbalances within this dystopian fashion industry.
By unmasking the overarching control of the social system over individuals and mass audiences, my intention is to challenge the audience to reflect on the functionality or dysfunctionality of societal elites. I pose a pivotal question: Can an individual pursuing success in a dream career genuinely change the system, or is the system more powerful in shaping individuals to conform to its norms?
The characters are compelled to work relentlessly to attain success, with their personal happiness tied to the fruits of their labour, while a manipulative society alienates them by being judged and trying to be accepted. The creation of a dystopian world serves as a narrative tool, both visually and conceptually, to highlight the farcical and often brutal aspects of the fashion industry’s judgmental conditions, revealing the violence inherent in this society.
“Catwalk” was filmed at Ealing Studios and the TV Studio at the University of West London, using the Arri Alexa Mini . It was completed through a collaboration with a visual effects (VFX) team at a production house in Mumbai.
The “Catwalk” team is thrilled that the film is ready to be shared with the world and is eager to compete in film festivals. I am particularly drawn to international film festivals for their reputation in showcasing innovative and diverse films that push the boundaries of storytelling. I believe “Catwalk” aligns with the prestigious festivals’ missions, contributing to their legacy of promoting ground-breaking cinema.
I am available to provide any additional information or materials you may require and would welcome the opportunity to showcase the film in festivals worldwide. Thank you for considering “Catwalk.” I am honoured to be part of the submission process and eagerly anticipate the possibility of sharing my work with your audience.
I dedicate this film to the audience—a creative and fearless spirit that, hopefully, nurtures the child within.
Sincerely,
Maria Michael
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VODKA FANTA
Elisabeth Silveiro, France
23′
Elena (70), is a retired Ukrainian who lands in Montpellier to visit her son, but he does not pick her up at the airport. Feeling sorry for this woman’s distress, Fanta (25), a young airport employee, decides to help her…
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Bisolar
Maïlys Gelin, France
14′ 45”
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Pillars
Andreas Dimitriou, Cyprus
15′
Σε ένα παράλληλο χρονικό σύμπαν, με έντονο το στοιχείο της σεξουαλικής απελευθέρωσης και της ατεκνίας, η Στέλλα πείθει τον σύντροφό της Μίλτο να συμμετάσχουν σε ένα εναλλακτικό πρόγραμμα ενδυνάμωσης σχέσεων. Τίποτα, όμως, δεν είναι όπως φαίνεται.
In a parallel timeline, characterized by sexual liberation and childlessness, Stella convinces her partner Miltos to participate in an alternative couple therapy programme. However, nothing is what it seems.
Director Biography – Andreas Dimitriou
Andreas is a self-taught filmmaker who has made significant strides in the film industry since 2012, specializing in producing and directing promotional and music videos.
In 2017-2018, Andreas took a significant step in his artistic journey by enrolling in an intensive scriptwriting course. This decision proved transformative, providing him with an enriched understanding of the language of cinema.
In 2020, Andreas release his first short film, a documentary that garnered attention and acclaim at various film festivals.
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DANIEL
Pavlos Vissariou, Greece
15′ 40”
The meteorological event known as ”Daniel” was an extreme weather phenomenon characterized by heavy rainfall, traced back to the 4th of September 2023, originating from the Ionian Sea, with the wider area of Thessaly as its epicenter. The tempest wrought catastrophic consequences, claiming 17 lives and decimating 850,000 hectares of cultivable terrain, while over 100 thousand livestock perished.
Director Biography – Pavlos Vissariou
Actor – Director
Born in Karditsa, Thessaly Greece. Pavlos Vissariou is a distinguished personality in the realms of acting and directing. He honed his craft at the esteemed Kostas Kazakos School of Dramatic Art, where he immersed himself in the study of classical and contemporary theatrical techniques.
Vissariou’s artistic journey encompasses a rich tapestry of performances, both on stage and screen. He has lent his talent as both an actor and director to productions spanning the spectrum of classical and modern repertoire. Noteworthy among his endeavors is his active involvement in seminars dedicated to ancient drama and modern Greek theatre, including notable participation in the Workshop Program – International network of Ancient Drama (September 18-26, 2021) hosted at the Thessalian Theatre.
His cinematic contributions are equally laudable. Vissariou’s portrayal in award-winning historical feature films by director Vangelis Serdaris, such as “Vasiliki” (1998) and “The Seventh Sun of Love” (2002), have garnered acclaim both domestically and internationally, with screenings at prestigious film festivals in Thessaloniki and beyond.
In October 2003, Vissariou spearheaded a tribute in honor of the esteemed director Thodoros Angelopoulos in his hometown of Karditsa, underscoring his reverence for the luminaries of Greek cinema.
Since April 2004, Vissariou, in collaboration with his partner, the esteemed actress-director Vasiliki Makris, has been instrumental in establishing and nurturing the “Opseis Theater Art Space” in Karditsa. Serving as their permanent artistic home, this venue has become a beacon of creativity and cultural enrichment within the local community.
In 2020, Vissariou marked a milestone in his directorial career with the release of his inaugural short film “Nostos,” which premiered to critical acclaim at the TISFF – THESS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL in October of the same year, earning the prestigious “Cinematic Achievement Award.” The film’s success propelled it to participate in the 2021 Iris Awards of the Hellenic Film Academy, and subsequently embark on a world tour, showcasing in prominent international festivals across European capitals, North and South America, Oceania, and Asia, with Awards accolades spanning various categories.
Continuing his cinematic endeavors, Vissariou presents “Daniel,” his second short film.
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NEW
Zhenia Kazankina, Russian Federation
20′
Outskirts of Moscow. A girl comes to an unfamiliar apartment to look after a dog. After a while, she realizes that the owner of the apartment has disappeared. She finds herself into a series of people that have been taking care of the dog for years in that same apartment, creating a weird community around this strange absence of the owner.
Director Biography – Zhenia Kazankina
Born in Moscow, Russia in 1996, Zhenia Kazankina (she/her) is a screenwriter and director and a graduate of the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK). Her work revolves around themes of solitude, attachment, and alienation from a feminine perspective. Her short films have screened internationally in festivals such as Locarno Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, ZINEBI, True/False and many others. She is an Alumna of Locarno Filmmakers’ Academy and Spring Academy and of Reykjavík Talent Lab.
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J’ OUVERT
Philip Bell, United States
15’31”
New York’s J’ouvert overwhelms the senses during the pre-sunrise hours as it marks the start of Carnival festivities. Steel bands are ushered down Brooklyn’s streets by dancing crowds of revelers in an outpouring of percussion music and masquerading. Rooted in the celebration of freedom from slavery, J’ouvert has become an expression of rebirth and joy throughout the Caribbean and abroad. This film explores the rich history of J’ouvert and captures it’s undeniably powerful energy as it lights up the streets of Flatbush in a brilliant explosion of sound, color and excitement.
J’ouvert’s origins are traced back to the 18th century when Carnival, a masquerade ball marking Catholics’ symbolic “farewell to flesh” before Lent’s start, was introduced to Trinidad and other Caribbean islands by French colonists and settlers. Banned from participating, slaves of African descent began to hold their own celebrations. They would mimic the Carnival of the plantation owners while incorporating African musical and masquerading elements. Their celebration became a way to express creativity while also maintaining a variety of African traditions.
With Trinidad’s emancipation in 1834 these celebrations evolved into J’ouvert, which is literally translated as, “the dawning of a new day.” Rooted in this celebration of freedom from slavery, J’ouvert has become an expression of rebirth and joy throughout the Caribbean and abroad.
Beginning in the 1930s, widespread immigration from the Caribbean brought Carnival traditions to New York. While the more popular daytime festivities are now dominated by bright, feathery costumes and amplified electronic music, Brooklyn’s J’ouvert continues to embody Carnival’s old time traditions with a mixture of macabre characters and a strict adherence to live percussion and steel pan music.
Today’s J’ouvert consistently attracts over half a million revelers to Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood. Unfortunately, the majority of media coverage focuses on the handful of violent, tragic, incidents that interrupt the otherwise peaceful celebrations. Sadly, the politically and racially charged response to violence surrounding J’ouvert has led to greater and greater restrictions that may permanently alter or even end an otherwise significant New York tradition. Hopefully this film can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of J’ouvert’s cultural and historical significance and the important role it plays in New York’s rich cultural legacy.
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