7o ATHICFF – Young Reporters: “A festivals’ role is to become a bridge of communication between independent cinema and the audience”

Interview with Young Reporters*

–What do you think is the role of a film festival?
This question is a big debate, and it’s one that’s on the minds of everyone who works in festivals. Personally, I think the role of festivals is to support independent cinema. “Independent cinema” is cinema that follows different processes. It’s not based on big studios and big productions, so it’s not a film like, say, Avengers, which requires millions to make. Independent films are films made with a lot of effort, with a much smaller budget and money, and most importantly they are not a production by a big studio, i.e. a very big company.

-What does that mean in practice?
In a film financed by a big studio, the people in charge will set almost everything: they know the story, they hire the director they want, the writer they want, the whole team, and they basically follow the schedule and guidelines of the company. In independent cinema it’s kind of the other way around: everything starts with the idea of the creator, director or writer and everything is built around that. So the role of a festival is to support films that are made in this way, to be able to bring audiences closer to these kinds of films, because they might not have access to them otherwise. In short, a festival should become a bridge of communication between filmmakers and the public.

-What does the Programme Director do at a Festival?
In this series of mini-interviews, the Young Reporters talk to professionals from the film industry to uncover who does what behind the scenes. Today, they spoke with Erika Zacharopoulou, Programme Assistant at our Festival.

-What are the criteria for selecting a film for the Festival?
The films should be ones that, even as children, we would have been excited to watch and enjoy! They need to offer something fresh and different from what we are accustomed to seeing, steering away from outdated stereotypes often found in older children’s films. Our goal is to showcase films that bring a new perspective, connect us with our emotions, and reflect the experience of being young in today’s world.

-Has there ever been a disagreement about including a particular film?
I can’t recall a situation with a major disagreement. Usually, our decisions result from discussions where we share perspectives. There have been instances where someone needed to be convinced about a film’s strengths, which one person might see while others might not. Everyone has different tastes, but through open conversations, we always reach a consensus.

-What themes have been “in the spotlight” in children’s films recently?
There’s a growing focus on inclusivity, addressing topics like disabilities and how society views them, as well as issues of racism and sexism. Themes that were once uncommon in children’s films are now being explored more frequently. The cultural context is also significant — for example, Scandinavian countries are at the forefront of addressing sexuality and identity in children’s films. This year, we’re showcasing Game Rules as an example. We’re also seeing more documentaries highlighting political and social challenges, which we believe are crucial for sparking important discussions.

-How can someone work at a Festival?
Above all, you need a deep passion for cinema. Watch as many films as possible and read widely to develop your understanding and appreciation of the art form!

*Young Reporters is the journalistic team of our Festival, composed of young people aged 14-17 years old. The Young Reporters document what happens at the Festival, interview creators, performers and professionals in the field, as well as the audience! Join our team.