‘Coexistence, My Ass!,’ ‘Free Leonard Peltier,’ ‘GEN_’ Among Competition Lineup at Thessaloniki Documentary Festival (EXCLUSIVE)

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For its 27th edition, from March 6-16, the International Documentary Festival in Thessaloniki has revealed the lineup for their International Competition. This selection features three documentaries that made their first appearance at Sundance: “Coexistence, My Ass!”, “Free Leonard Peltier”, and “GEN_”. Another film, “Under the Flags, the Sun” will make its debut at Berlin. The remaining films are all having their world premieres.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but get excited about the prestigious awards at this festival! The highest honor, the Golden Alexander, doesn’t just come with bragging rights, but also a generous cash prize of 12,000 euros. Not to be outshone, the Silver Alexander carries a nice 5,000 euro cash prize as well. What makes this event even more enticing is that the winner of the Golden Alexander automatically qualifies for consideration in the Documentary Feature category at the Academy Awards!

Here’s the schedule for the International Competition: “Bull’s Heart,” by Eva Stefani, representing Greece (making its world debut)
This documentary delves into the question of why we behave as we do. It presents a deeply personal portrayal of celebrated choreographer and artist Dimitris Papaioannou, examining his creative journey. The film captures him backstage and during the tour of his performance, “Transverse Orientation,” unveiling an introspective exploration of life’s purpose as he navigates a complex world.

From Greece, ‘Sculpted Souls’ by Stavros Psillakis (world premiere): Swiss dentist Julien Grivel spent 26 years offering his services to Hansenites (lepers) free of charge in Greece. This experience changed not only how he viewed the world but also life itself. ‘Through learning Greek, I unknowingly embraced their perspective,’ he shares. His bond with Manolis Fountoulakis, a former Hansenite, played a significant role in this transformation.

The Impressionistic Portrait of August,” Dimitris Koutsiabasakos, Greece (world premiere)

This film offers a vibrant mix of incidents, events, and moments from the daily life of a village nestled in the southern Pindos mountains, centered around an informal soccer tournament. The documentary’s objective is to sketch, through careful observation, a “impressionistic” depiction of a small summertime community. A portrait that showcases both light and darkness, with its enchanting and occasionally eerie qualities, yet remains surprisingly authentic and full of life, despite the contrasts it presents.

Child of Dust,” Weronika Mliczewska (world premiere)
Sang, one of many children abandoned by American soldiers post-Vietnam War, carries the burdens of discrimination and the scars of a conflict that claimed more than just his father. His life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers his critically ill father residing in America. Overwhelmed with determination, Sang decides to meet him, despite the high cost—a permanent relocation that forces him to leave behind his cherished wife, daughter, and grandson. In this new, alien land, he grapples with finding his identity—not merely fitting into a society that considers him an outsider, but also within an American family unaware of his existence. Cultural differences clash dramatically as the past unexpectedly intertwines with the present.

Incohabitation? You’ve Gotta Be Kidding!” – Amber Fares, U.S.-France (international premiere)

This film chronicles the life of Israeli activist-comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi as she embarks on creating a comedy show titled “Incohabitation? You’ve Gotta Be Kidding!”. Captured over five turbulent years, the movie documents Noam’s journey mirroring the region’s escalating unrest. Having been raised in a bilingual Israeli-Palestinian village, the only intentionally integrated community in the country, Noam begins to lose faith in conventional peace activism. She then turns to stand-up comedy and swiftly garners regional attention. However, as her fame grows, so does the turmoil around her. With sharp, affectionate wit, Noam challenges her audiences to confront hard truths – all while providing a beacon of hope for the future.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m eagerly anticipating the international premiere of “Free Leonard Peltier,” directed by the talented duo Jesse Short Bull (“Lakota Nation vs. the United States”) and David France (“How to Survive a Plague,” “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson,” and “Welcome to Chechnya”). Produced by Bird Runningwater, this film tells the story of Leonard Peltier, one of the remaining leaders of the American Indian Movement, who has been serving a 50-year sentence following a controversial conviction. A new wave of Native American activists is determined to secure his release before it’s too late.

At Milan’s Niguarda Public Hospital, Dr. Maurizio Bini orchestrates an inspiring and unorthodox initiative aimed at enhancing lives through fertility treatments and gender affirmation care. By harmonizing the aspirations of potential parents with the personal journeys of individuals seeking to align their identities, he cultivates a nurturing and uplifting atmosphere where humor frequently provides relief during intense situations. Amidst a politically volatile context that challenges medical ethics, Dr. Bini bravely pushes against societal norms to instill hope, empathy, and healing, significantly impacting lives with his skill and compassion.

Title Premiere: “Kick-Off,” by Roser Corella and Stefano Obino, Germany
In a secluded mountain village in Kyrgyzstan, steeped in traditional norms that restrict women to household chores, Gazi defies convention by arranging a women’s soccer competition. Determined to uplift the women and shatter societal taboos, Gazi navigates cultural obstacles, unfolding a tale of perseverance and social transformation in this remarkable backdrop.

Supernatural” – Bonaventura Durall (World Premiere)

Medical practitioner Mathu finds himself at odds with his father Malby, a spiritual healer, who he thought had cured Anna from anorexia. When Anna invites Mathu to meet his father, the confrontation between their contrasting beliefs – science versus magic – unfolds. The film “Supernatural” delves into the exploration of two seemingly contradictory worldviews, often clashing but also seeking common ground.

Beneath the Flags, the Sunlight” by Juanjo Pereira (International Premiere)

In 1989, the downfall of Paraguay’s 35-year dictatorship under Alfredo Stroessner signified the end of one of the world’s longest authoritarian regimes. However, it also meant the neglect of audiovisual archives that had been instrumental in upholding the regime’s power. These visual records, designed to mold a national identity and glorify the regime, were allowed to slip into oblivion. Fast forward to today, a cache of previously unseen and almost forgotten footage has been unearthed from Paraguay and beyond, shedding light on the concealed workings of power during Stroessner’s rule. “Beneath the Flags, the Sunlight” offers a visual journey through media history, serving as an archaeology of the present in a nation where descendants of the regime’s leaders still hold significant power.

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2025-02-10 16:18