The cinematic reality took center stage with the awarding of the documentary film festival prizes. Films that explore the human experience, history, and social change emerged as the big winners of the night.

The first day of the Kalamata Short Documentary Film Festival offered the audience six captivating conversations with filmmakers, revealing the stories behind their films, their sources of inspiration, the challenges they faced, and the messages they aim to convey.

At the 10th Peloponnisos International Documentary Festival, awards were presented to films covering a wide range of topics, from social justice and gender equality to ecology and politics. The winners stood out for their quality of storytelling, their cinematic language, and their ability to provoke thought and discussion.

An important event addressing cyberbullying will be held in Kalamata on Monday, December 2nd, 2024.

CITIES OF THE WORLD: DUBLIN, BEIJING, BERLIN

Andrea Tyros, Film Critic

Countless cities have faded away, but only three are eternal: Rome, Constantinople, and Jerusalem. And Atlantis, a riddle across the ages. Might it someday “resurrect” itself on planets nearby?

As Artificial Intelligence partners with humanity on its grand journey into space, we mark a century since the debut of the German Expressionist masterpiece that helped shape modern cinematic myth. Fritz Lang’s Metropolis (1927) doesn’t simply blend science fiction, epic, and melodrama. It initiates the cinematic dystopia, centered on the profound relationship between cinema, technology, and architecture. Europe in the interwar years, with the Bauhaus movement triumphant and Nazism lurking ominously, provides the backdrop.

The "Sketch Cities" comics exhibition has opened its doors at the Kalamata Cultural Center, setting the stage for the celebratory atmosphere of the 10th Peloponnisos International Documentary Festival. From November 18 to December 5, 13 acclaimed Greek comic artists invite us to explore the "Cities of the World" through their creative perspectives.

The 10th Peloponnisos International Doc Film Festival of the Peloponnese expands its educational programs under the direction of Dr. Iakovos Panagopoulos. In collaboration with the Ionian University, the festival offers students a variety of educational experiences, from storytelling workshops to seminars on the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

The first educational initiative of the 10th Peloponnisos International Documentary Festival was successfully completed, with the participation of students from the 13th Elementary  School of Kalamata. Over the course of a four-hour workshop, guided by the environmentalist Stratos Kentakis and filmmaker Kyriakos Liarakos, the students combined creativity with observation.

The Governor of the Peloponnese, Dimitris Ptychous, expresses his excitement for the 10th International Documentary Film Festival of the Peloponnese. He highlights the festival's significance for the region's cultural life and emphasizes the wealth of activities on offer. Additionally, he mentions the festival's expansion to more cities and stresses its contribution to cultivating intellect and exchanging ideas.

The Mayor of Kalamata, Athanasios P. Vasilopoulos, expresses pride in the success of the International Documentary Festival of the Peloponnese. He emphasizes the importance of the festival as a cultural institution that is constantly growing and has gained international recognition. He thanks the organizers and declares the full support of the municipality for this important initiative.

Since 2019, the festival has been closely collaborating with the Postgraduate Program in 'Creative Writing, Theater, and Cultural Industries' at the University of Peloponnese. Students actively participate in the organization, attend masterclasses by renowned artists, such as the Italian director Lia Beltrami, and evaluate films, awarding prizes. This collaboration encourages the students' artistic creativity and critical thinking.

The 10th Peloponnisos International Doc Film Festival is collaborating with the Diáplasi program of the Hellenic Parliament and is screening 5 student documentaries on the environment as part of its Educational Program, offering a platform for young creators.

The 10th Peloponnisos International Doc Film Festival and the 2nd Kalamata International Short Documentary Film Festival are back, honoring filmmakers and showcasing important stories. This year, the festival focuses on equality, the environment, and urban life, while distinguished judges will award prizes in various categories.

A new collaboration brings the Festival closer to Women in Film and Television Greece (WIFT GR), promoting gender equality in cinema and supporting women filmmakers.