The 9th Beyond Borders Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival concluded with a grand and enthusiastic celebration on Sunday, September 1st. The festival featured 36 Greek, international, and world premieres in its competition sections and 8 additional premieres in the Panorama section. It gathered distinguished guests from the film industry, loyal and new friends, visitors, volunteers, students, and the children of the island—every driving human force. The week was filled with captivating images, compelling stories, unseen aspects of the human condition, and tender yet harsh glimpses of everyday life from around the world. A festival like Beyond Borders allows different, even conflicting, worlds to coexist, converse, and reconcile through the films and their creators.
9th BEYOND BORDERS
KASTELLORIZO INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL AUGUST 25 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
Under the patronage of Her Excellency, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou
Strategic Partner of Beyond Borders is DEI, the leading energy company in Southeast Europe, which actively supports the arts and culture. As an integral part of the country’s social and economic fabric, DEI enhances the dialogue with culture and the arts, supporting all those who lead us into a better future where culture takes center stage.
At the Closing Ceremony, the film From Abdul to Leila by Leila Albayaty (Germany-Belgium-Saudi Arabia, 2024) was screened. After an accident leaves her with amnesia and several years in exile, a young French-Iraqi woman, Leila, reunites with her family in an attempt to rediscover her identity. In southern France, she confronts her father Abdul and his past, the Iraq War, and decides to learn Arabic to sing the poems he wrote for her. Language and music gradually open the path to long-repressed memories, leading her to uncover her heritage and the Arab world. This lyrical documentary is a musical journey between the West and the East, intertwining the personal with the political as it poignantly portrays the filmmaker’s reconciliation with her Iraqi identity and heritage.
In attendance was the Mayor of the island, Mr. Nikolaos Asvestis. In his address, the Deputy Mayor of Culture of the Municipality of Kastellorizo, Stratos Amygdalos, expressed his joy and emotion for the events and activities that took place, and his anticipation for what the 10th anniversary edition will bring. Lachlan Scully, the Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Greece, thanked the municipality and the festival for sharing this "small piece of paradise" and congratulated the filmmakers, stating that without them, there would be no festival. He also praised the organizers for the "remarkable selection of enlightening films that shed light on divisive and difficult issues such as wars, pandemics, ecological crises, gender equality, and identity issues, which are often overlooked." Australia was the guest country at this year’s festival, a fitting tribute given the 80,000 Kastellorizians in Australia who consider the island their home and keep their roots and history alive.
Michel Noll, the Artistic Advisor and Director of International Development for the festival, emphasized the importance of maintaining an enthusiastic audience that loves films in these dark times and finding light and an escape from the surrounding darkness. He highlighted the closing film, which offers insight into what happened in Iraq a few years ago, a sensitive topic that has not been widely documented in film. "We experiment, innovate, and continue to strive to be better, not bigger. We are doing our best to bring even better films to an even better festival next year," said Mr. Noll. He also mentioned the network the festival has established with film schools and their students—the new generation of filmmakers who need an opportunity to create films and become outstanding creators.
Finally, Irini Sarioglou, the Artistic Director of the festival, referenced the Constantinopolitan poet Dimitris Papakonstantinou, who wrote that he venerates freedom and dreams of humanity. "It is not a given that all creators or festivals do this, but this festival gives a platform to all directors who promote freedom and dream of humanity." Ms. Sarioglou mentioned the film I Shall Not Hate, which was awarded at the festival, and tells the story of Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish, who delivered babies in a Tel Aviv hospital and lost his daughters to an Israeli bombing. The film conveys a message against hatred and in favor of dialogue. "The film could not be screened in the U.S., Canada, or other festivals in Greece and abroad, but at Beyond Borders, it was screened and won an award. And yes, the festival has been collaborating for the past six years with Tel Aviv University, precisely because it has professors who, for example, suggested this film come here. I myself teach at a state university in Istanbul. What does that mean?" Ms. Sarioglou said, responding to comments and interventions regarding the presence or absence of the Palestinian element in the festival. Beyond Borders, she said, is an independent festival that strives, through actions and not just theories, to promote peace and dialogue. "Setting up such a festival requires daily hard work, and I owe a great deal of gratitude to all the sponsors and supporters, but especially to the very young people who believe in the vision of Beyond Borders. I don’t believe there can be humanity without dreams. We need dreams for things to get better," Ms. Sarioglou concluded.
Before the screening, we enjoyed the island’s children performing traditional dances from the workshop held during the week. The evening ended with the sounds of rebetiko music in a wonderful musical night full of joy, with scents and melodies from Asia Minor, the narrow streets of Piraeus and Athens, the breeze of our islands, and the freshness of our mountains. The event featured Katerina Tsiridou (vocals – baglamas), Tasos Giannousis (bouzouki – vocals), Nikos Protopapas (guitar – vocals), Michalis Danias (violin), Evi Kanellou (percussion), with orchestration and direction by Nikos Protopapas.
Awards of the 9th Beyond Borders Festival
At the 9th Beyond Borders International Documentary Festival, a total of 11 awards were presented across two competitive sections—Main and μicro—totaling €27,500 in prize money.
Main Competition Section
The Main Competition featured 18 medium- and feature-length documentary films. The jury, composed of Mitzi Goldman (Chair, Producer, CEO of Documentary Australia), Valerie Kontakos (Director, Producer), Alan Gilsenan (Director, Producer), Bruce Clark (Author, Journalist), and Shuibo Wang (Director), recognized the exceptionally high caliber of the films in this section. The jury noted that these films reflect the complex contrasts between the present world and its past, highlighting the documentary's power to portray shared human experiences, from geopolitical challenges to personal tragedies. The jury expressed their deep appreciation for the art form and the role of documentaries in connecting us to diverse truths, stating that many of the 18 films could have been worthy winners.
Grand Prix - Golden Wreath of Megisti:
The first prize was awarded to Koka by Aliaksandr Tsymbaliuk (Poland, 2024). This film is a beautiful, sensitive portrait of a boy and his father living in a remote fishing village in the Bering Strait, between Russia and Alaska. The film captures the tender yet harsh relationship between father and son with cinematic finesse. The direction is noted for its sharp insight and kindness, offering a subtle commentary on the cultural and social struggles for survival in a barren landscape of depleted resources. Made with tenderness and compassion, it provides an intimate glimpse into a world we would otherwise never have the chance to see.
The award is accompanied by a prize of €10,000, sponsored by the Michael Marks Charitable Trust, for the best film dealing with historical events and personalities, current socio-political issues, and the promotion of human rights in any form.
Silver Wreath of Megisti:
The second prize was jointly awarded to two films: My Place Ozerna by Karina Będkowska and Kix by Dávid Mikulán and Bálint Révész. The jury expressed its deep admiration for both films, recognizing their very different yet equally significant qualities.
My Place Ozerna (Poland, 2022) is a touching story about love, aging, and identity. The film's subtle narrative development reveals deep themes such as the need for connection, the search for meaning in life, and the simplicity of existence. The beautiful cinematography invites us into a very personal world, with a deeply universal resonance about an intergenerational crisis of loneliness, both in rural and urban areas.
Kix (Hungary, 2024) is stylish, anarchic, and intimate. The film reminds us of the potential impact of a documentary, not only on the audience but also on the protagonist. The jury respected the filmmakers' commitment to the subject over a ten-year journey, during which both the boy and the filmmakers matured together—the main character, Sanyi, literally grows up on camera on the streets of Budapest, while the filmmakers develop and refine their style and voice. The narrative progression is compelling, the trust in the characters is admirable, and the courage to address issues such as unemployment, alcohol, and family dysfunction—so common in an unjust urban environment—is commendable.
The prize is accompanied by a total of €5,000, sponsored by the Michael Marks Charitable Trust, for the second-best film dealing with historical events and personalities, current socio-political issues, and the promotion of human rights in any form.
Bronze Wreath of Megisti:
The third prize was awarded to I Shall Not Hate by Tal Barda (Canada, 2024). This heartbreaking and tragic story centers on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, balancing between news events and personal experiences. The film presents the genuine voice of a man who, despite tirelessly working to overcome the conflict, is overwhelmed by personal tragedy. This is a voice of deep humanity that must be heard, a story that demands our attention. The struggle for justice by the Palestinian doctor Dr. Abuelaish and the testimony of his rage and pain are both profound and humbling.
The prize is accompanied by a €3,000 award, sponsored by the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), for the third-best film dealing with historical events and personalities, current socio-political issues, and the promotion of human rights in any form.
The Wreath of Megisti, awarded each year to the best films in the Main Competition of the Beyond Borders Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival, is a faithful handmade replica of an object found in an ancient tomb in 1913, dating to the mid-4th century BC. It bears golden ivy leaves, reflecting the Hellenistic aesthetic of plant motifs.
Best Greek Documentary Award
The award for Best Greek Documentary was presented to Loxy by Dimitris Zachos and Thanasis Kafetzis (Greece, 2024). Set against the backdrop of the National Theatre, the film explores the contrast between cultural "aristocracy" and a demanding family situation. In a country where perceptions of individuals with disabilities need improvement, the film portrays the integration of a young woman with Down syndrome into a professional theater environment. The story is sensitive yet restrained, placing Loxi at the center of the narrative with an active role and passion. The film invites us to understand what truly constitutes a supportive family environment and a model of upbringing.
This award comes with a €2,000 prize, co-financed by ERT and the Greek Film Centre, for the best documentary by a Greek director.
Mediterranean Friendship Award
The Special Mediterranean Friendship Award, presented by EKOME, was awarded to Searching for Rodakis by Kerem Soyyilmaz (Turkey, 2023). This film, with cinematic simplicity and insight, presents the forced population exchange between Greece and Turkey, aligning perfectly with the festival’s central theme. It is a story of seeking reconciliation, truth, and memory, which persist despite the weight of loss and oblivion.
The award includes a €500 prize, sponsored by EKOME, for the best documentary promoting common values and peaceful dialogue among Mediterranean peoples. The film also received a Special Mention from the Jury for its poignant, vulnerable, and gradually unfolding narrative about the encounter between Greeks and Turks, highlighting the shared experiences of both peoples and the human consequences of their violent separation a century ago. Set in Kastellorizo, a place where daily life depends on the coexistence of descendants from both countries, the film offers a message of hope.
Odysseus Award
For its raw depiction of the harshest moments in human life with such sensitivity and understanding, for its poetic and compelling perspective on seemingly mundane routines, for the remarkable universality of a deeply personal relationship, and for its subtle yet accomplished directorial approach, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs awarded the Special Odysseus Prize to Christos Adrianopoulos for his film In the Sky of Nothing with the least (Greece, 2023).
This award is accompanied by a €2,000 prize, initiated and supported by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, and sponsored by Lady Marina Marks and Alex Sakalis, for the best documentary by a Greek diaspora director.
#THISISEU Award
The #ThisisEU Award was given to The Pickers by Elke Sasse (Germany, 2024). The film provides a clear glimpse into one of the most significant yet troubling aspects of Southern Europe's economy. With exceptional access, the film humanizes the exploitation of the people working behind the shelves of our supermarkets. While it highlights the shocking reality that 21st-century capitalism relies on underpaid labor, the film's final scenes suggest that this model is not necessarily inevitable.
The award comes with a €1,000 prize, sponsored by ERT, awarded by the European Commission's Representation in Greece for the documentary that best promotes contemporary European values.
FIPRESCI Award
The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) jury, composed of film critics Marina Kostova, Peter Kremski, and Giorgos Papadimitriou, awarded the FIPRESCI Prize to Bangarang directed by Giulio Mastromauro (Italy, 2023). The film was recognized for creating an exceptional visual essay on innocence and carefree moments amidst an unfolding ecological disaster, hidden from common view. The jury praised its masterful depiction of a decaying urban landscape and the sense of a harsh fairy tale featuring the "lost children" of Taranto, free from simplistic judgments or unnecessary explanations.
The award includes a €1,000 prize, sponsored by ERT, for the best film chosen by the International Federation of Film Critics.
μicro Competition Section Awards
In the μicro Competition Section, the Jury comprised of André Singer (President, Director, Producer), Agapi Kefalogianni (Program Director at Nova Greece), Elif Akçalı (Academic), and Marco Gastine (Director, Producer) awarded the following prizes among 23 short documentary films:
Golden Phoenix:
The Golden Phoenix was awarded to Monument by Maksim Avdeev (Germany, 2024), a deeply emotional and sincere film that courageously explores the contrast between Russia's old orthodox imperial values and the new world through the personal story of a generational clash of views between father and son. Quiet, minimalist, and filled with love and understanding, the film masterfully reveals multiple layers of meaning, using Super 8 footage from the director’s childhood, interwoven with dialogue and present-day images. The film's personal narrative connects strongly with the current global political climate, particularly regarding nationalism and identity politics.
This award is accompanied by a €1,250 prize, supported by Phoenix TV, for the best short documentary by a first-time director.
Silver Phoenix:
The Silver Phoenix was awarded to Sister of Mine by Mariusz Rusinski (Poland, 2023), a beautifully crafted and powerful film depicting the impact of drug addiction on family members and their sense of helplessness. The director expresses admiration for his sister, highlighting her creative and sensitive character through observational cinematography. This intensely emotional subject, which emphasizes the generational conflict, is approached in a realistic and intimate way.
This award is accompanied by a €1,000 prize, supported by Phoenix TV, for the second-best short documentary by a first-time director.
Bronze Phoenix:
The Bronze Phoenix was awarded to The Board by Carmen Tortosa (Spain, 2023), noted for its impressive structure. The film begins with a letter, transitions to a building, a waiting room, and ultimately presents various characters who present their cases to an impersonal board, capturing the overwhelming sense of despair many experience. Despite lacking a conventional narrative structure or close character focus, the director succeeds in conveying the difficult reality these individuals face, with no clear solutions in sight. The Board addresses a global issue—the struggle against bureaucracy, the state, and the systems we live in—successfully evoking a sense of urgency in the viewer.
This award is accompanied by a €750 prize, supported by Phoenix TV, for the third-best short documentary by a first-time director.
Special Mentions:
The Jury gave Special Mentions to El Kala by Diego Perez Gonzalez (Spain, 2023) for its exceptional choice of black-and-white cinematography, which added strength to the film, the intriguing character with his positive approach to his demanding life and his dedication to the world around him, supported by precise editing and fitting music. Another Special Mention was given to Crazy Love by Martyna Peszko (Poland, 2023), a tender documentary where the protagonists openly express their love and hope to marry and live a "normal" life. Beautifully filmed, it gradually reveals the challenges they face, making it a deeply moving film.
Award-winning and selected films from the μicro Competition section will be broadcast on Phoenix TV and the Hellenic Parliament TV channel, aiming to enhance visibility and support the creators. The award-winning films from the 9th Beyond Borders Festival will also be showcased during a three-day screening event in Athens in March.
Audiovisual Pitching Lab:
The Jury of the Pitching Lab, headed by Claudia Schreiner (Head of Masterschool at Documentary Campus, Germany), and members Flore Vallery-Radot, Dorin Filimon, Nikos Kihem, and Melis Terlemez, selected the project Reminiscing Kanat by Can Ture (Turkey). The project, incorporating elements of dramatization and animation, follows the tumultuous 11-year odyssey of Kanat Güner, a pioneering figure in Turkey’s underground literary scene, through the streets of Istanbul and the mystery surrounding her death.
The production company Filmiki Productions offers a mentorship cycle with personalized funding and development advice, valued at €1,500.
Photos from the Closing Ceremony of the festival, as well as stills from the films and highlights from the event, can be found here. The trailer for the 9th edition can be found here. For more information, visit www.beyondborders.gr or contact the Festival at info@beyondborders.gr. Stay updated on all Beyond Borders activities and news by following the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Organized by: The Hellenic History Foundation (IDISME) in collaboration with the French Ecrans des Mondes.
Co-organized by: The South Aegean Region, with the support of the Hellenic Parliament, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of National Defense, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Island Policy of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, the National Centre for Audiovisual Media and Communication (EKOME), Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), the Greek Film Centre, the Embassy of Australia in Athens, the Embassy of Germany in Athens, the Embassy of Austria in Athens, the Embassy of Spain in Athens and the Embassy of Israel in Athens.
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