HEROINES – ΗΡΩΊΔΕΣ: KURZFILME AUS GRIECHENLAND

In a guest country special, this year's Central German short film festival KURZSUECHTIG focuses on Greece. What topics and debates move young Greek filmmakers? What artistic influences shape their work?

Women are the focus of this year's guest country program. Beginning in ancient times, the rights of Greek women were massively curtailed; even in mythology, the heroines were victims of hatred and violence. Today, Greek women are much more independent, but they still face a system with strong patriarchal structures and high rates of violence against women. Five short films offer an inspiring perspective on contemporary femininity: women who fight, doubt, love and make mistakes. They are neither perfect goddesses nor hysterical furies, but each a strong heroine in her own right.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmakers and the presentation of the audience award. All guests are invited to take part in the voting.

ENG :This year's international program presents an insight into Greek cinema. Which topics are most pressing to young Greek filmmakers? What are their influences?

Women stand at the center of this year's programme. Starting in antique times, the rights of Greek women were massively restricted. Even in myths, heroines were victims of hate and brutal violence. In current times, Greek women are much more independent and vocal, but the system is still rigged against them with strong patriarchal traditions and high rates of violence. Five short films offer an inspiring perspective on womanhood: Women that fight, doubt, love and make mistakes. Not perfect goddesses, not foolish hysterics but instead strong heroines of their own stories.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmakers and the prize-presentation of the audience award. All guests are invited to join the voting.

MEMOIRS OF A VEERING STORM

GRC 2022 / Director Sofia Georgovassili / 13:49min / OmeU (Greek with English subtitles)

A storm is coming. A mother drives her daughter to school in the morning and picks her up again in the afternoon. They exchange no kind words, no moments of affection. In the eight hours in between, the girl has an important appointment that will change her. An honest and emotional story about the right to self-determination.

ENG: A storm is brewing. A mother drives her daughter to school in the morning and picks her up in the afternoon. They share no kind words or tender moments. In the eight hours in between, the girl has an important appointment. An honest and tender tale about a young person's autonomy.

FROM THE BALCONY

GRC 2021 / Director: Aris Kaplanidis / 12:42 min / OmeU (Greek with English subtitles)

Like a goddess enthroned on Mount Olympus, a woman observes her neighborhood. Nothing escapes her notice. She sees, hears and comments on everything. Her neighbors are fascinated and annoyed in equal measure. Until a tragic accident changes everything.

ENG: Like a goddess sitting atop Mount Olympus, a woman observes her working-class neighborhood. Nothing gets by her. She sees, hears, and comments on everything. Her neighbors are equally fascinated and annoyed by her presence. Until one day a tragic accident changes their lives.

GIRLHOOD

GRC 2021 / Director: Vania Turner, Maria Sidiropoulou / 29:59 min / OmeU (Greek with English subtitles)

As if being a teenager wasn't hard enough - try being one in a pandemic. Between online classes, TikTok trends and tedious housework, Vera, Christina and Nefeli are trying to become educated, independent and happy women. Empowered by their friendship, they navigate the pitfalls of growing up.

ENG : As if being a teenager wasn't hard enough - try doing it during a pandemic. Between online classes, TikTok challenges and household chores, Vera, Christina, and Nefeli strive to become educated, independent, and happy. United by a strong friendship, they navigate the intense road into adulthood.

MAGMA

GRC 2021 / Director: Lia Tsalta / 17:49 min / OmeU (Greek with English subtitles)

A lonely scientist lives on a distant pink planet. Her days are monotonous, her mission is unclear, her attempts to communicate are unsuccessful. Until an alien creature falls from the sky and raises more questions than it answers. A suspenseful and visually stunning sci-fi thriller.

ENG : On a distant rose-colored planet, a scientist lives alone. Her days are monotonous, her mission is unclear, her attempts at communication are futile. Until a strange creature falls from the sky and raises even more question than it answers. A tense and visually stunning sci-fi thriller.

AIRHOSTESS 737

GRC 2022/ Director: Thanasis Neofotistos/ 16:20 min / OmeU (Greek with English subtitles)

Ready for take-off: flight attendant Vanina apathetically works her way through the monotonous routine of an international flight. But something is wrong. Vanina is convinced that her new

braces are attracting negative attention. But why won't her colleagues stop offering their condolences?

ENG: Ready for take-off: Airhostess Vanina is going through the motions on yet another international flight. But something is not quite right. Vanina is convinced that her new braces are attracting negative attention. But why won't her colleagues stop asking her if she is ok and giving their condolences?