PRESS RELEASE AMORGOS FILM FESTIVAL 2023
Amorgos: Cultural Richness and Cinematic Art Captivate the International Audience!
With a sense of enrichment and cultural appreciation, international participants from 20 countries bid farewell to the captivating island of Amorgos after their engaging experiences at the 20th HYPERIA for Culture and the 14th International Film Festival, held from November 13 to 16. The picturesque island, immersed in endless blue, offered unique and unforgettable encounters.
The comprehensive program designed to acquaint participants with traditional Amorgian culture encompassed a tour of the island's paramount attraction—the historic 1200year old Byzantine. Panagia Chozoviotissa. This ancient monastery, standing tall since the 9th century, is intricately carved into a steep rock on the southern coast, adding a timeless charm to Amorgos.
International guests explored the village of Arkesini, relishing the panoramic view of the plain and the remnants of ancient Arkesini, featuring the monumental tower—a significant archaeological treasure from Hellenistic times. Furthermore, participants delved into the religious culture of the island through visits to the church museum of Chora, to Tholaria village with its church museum, and to traditional Amorgian houses showcasing distinctive island architecture.
Savoring the essence of Amorgos, participants engaged all their senses, indulging in local products from the land and sea, and sampling the island's culinary specialties.
The event featured enlightening speeches from distinguished speakers, including Professor Dimitrios Koutoulas on the impact of cinema on tourism, Ambassador Andreas Papastavrou on cultural diplomacy's role in interconnecting populations, Yiannis Koutsomytis on the digital distribution of international producers, and others who addressed diverse aspects of cinema, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.
Particularly impactful was the address by Ms. Paraskevi Salavgia, a 23-year-old graduate, whose autobiographical social film, "One World, Two Faces," conveyed a powerful humanitarian message. Despite physical challenges, Paraskevi serves as an inspiring example of resilience and determination, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Beyond the cultural immersion, educational tours, and memorable experiences on the beautiful island, the cinematic panorama featuring 148 films from different countries, along with their awards, marked the pinnacle of success for the 20th HYPERIA and the 14th International Film Festival.
The Greek Film Center, actively supporting the Amorgos Film Festival, was represented by Mrs. Lina Manolopoulou, who encouraged producers to leverage incentives for productions in Greece. Additionally, a film academy was conducted, with experts conducting seminars and workshops for students in all Amorgos schools.
This cultural extravaganza was co-organized by the Amorgos Women's Cultural Association, the Municipality of Amorgos, and the South Aegean Region! It was supported by various sponsors, such as the Greek National Tourism Organization, the General Secretariat of the Aegean and Islands Policy, the Hellenic Film Center, the Aegeas AMKE, the Motor Oil, the Blue Star Ferries, Unesco Of Piraeus and the Action Art! This event, not only showcased the enchanting world of Amorgos' cultural identity, but also bridged the gap between ancestral heritage and contemporary art and culture.
A diverse array of twenty-three films, carefully chosen by an International Jury, emerged victorious in various categories. The talented producers and directors, hailing from different corners of the globe, graciously accepted their well-deserved awards.