Live Dubbing: A Unique Cinema Experience – Report by the Young Reporters

We experienced movies in a completely new way—where the audience didn’t just sit and watch in the theater. Instead, live dubbing took place on stage as five actors performed the voices of characters from 9 children’s films in real time during the screenings.

Five actors—Alexandros Siatras, Lida Platsi, Aria Papanikolaou, Elena Charalamboudi, and Evgenia Deliali—breathed life into every character in these nine short films, delighting children and adults alike.

The program included the films: Cake Ballad, Three Trees, The Sleepy Owl, Head in the Clouds, Tabby McTat, The Urban Legends/Pianism, Forever Seven, Oh No, and Cat Postale. Most families seemed to agree on their favorite, which was none other than Cat Postale by Zacharias Mavroeidis. Anna and Nikolina loved the screening, marveling at how the actors brought the characters to life with their live performances.

Live dubbing made the experience more vibrant and engaging, strengthening children’s connection to the films. Mary, attending the festival for the third consecutive year, shared how her kids were thrilled by the live dubbing. One mother told us as she exited the theater, “The kids were so happy, laughing the entire time—they loved it!” Another added, “The voting process was important too because it made them feel part of something bigger.” Similarly, the parents of Danae, Elsa, and Elena—who all named Cat Postale as their favorite—found the live dubbing fantastic, impressed by the interaction between the audience and the screening.

The Actors’ Perspective

The secret to the event’s success was undoubtedly the performances of the actors. But how did it feel for them on stage?

Alexandros Siatras, with seven years of live dubbing experience, shared:
“It was incredibly moving. There was complete silence, and I could see the innocent reactions of the children. It’s challenging because you need to stay alert, match the original precisely, and maintain the film’s flow and atmosphere.” Asked about his favorite character, he enthusiastically responded, “The squirrel! It’s wild and dynamic, and I love that.”

Lida Platsi added:
“Live dubbing is fun and creative. There’s this mix of cinema and theater because you get to see the audience’s reactions, just like in a play. Rehearsals are plenty, both with the team and the film, to achieve perfect synchronization.” Her favorite character? The mischievous Black Cat Sock.

Aria Papanikolaou, participating for the first time this year, said:
“It’s been my dream since I was a teenager. While on stage, I felt happiness and pride. It took a lot of work and preparation, but it was worth it. When I study roles, I dream about them, and that helps me.” Her favorite character? “Chantal, a strong-willed cat from the last film I worked on.”

Elena Charalamboudi, also making her debut, explained:
“You have to win over the kids using just your voice! If your voice syncs with the film’s emotion, the audience won’t even realize someone is performing next to them. It was magical because the children were quiet and completely absorbed. Hearing audience feedback afterward is the best reward.” Her favorite character was the dreamy little girl with her head in the clouds, who inspired her.

Finally, Evgenia Deliali, a participant since the festival’s second year, shared:
“This is my favorite job. Every year the films and roles are different, but the feeling remains the same. The kids are always excited. At first, they glance at the actors, but as the film goes on, they forget we’re there and become immersed in the story.” She added that her highlight is when, after the screening, the kids vote for their favorite film, shouting and clapping enthusiastically. “My favorite film? The story of a cat. It’s a beautiful allegory for life: we all start as ‘strays,’ but eventually, we find our family.”

Young Reporters – Our Impressions

Elsa:
The children’s cinema screening was a new and moving experience that helped me better appreciate the actors’ work. The joy and spontaneous reactions of the kids filled the room with warmth, giving hope for the future of the arts. Aria Papanikolaou’s comment about how much this brings her happiness was particularly touching.

Sophia:
It was an impressive and unique experience, with exceptional organization and precision from the actors in live dubbing. If I have the chance, I’d definitely watch it again.

Lydia:
The short films with live dubbing were an original and impressive experience, perfectly synchronized with the animations. The variety of themes in the films kept our interest alive. The combination of visuals and live dubbing left a strong impression.

Iphigenia:
The live dubbing made my favorite film, Cat Postale, even more vivid and captivating. Being part of the process, voting for our favorite movie, made it even more enjoyable.

Philip:
The live dubbing was a creative experience with fantastic interaction between the actors and the audience, offering a unique perspective on cinema. Everyone in the audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.