#AmorgosFilmFestival #CycladicCulture #GreekCinema #CulturalTourism #DiscoverAmorgos #FilmUnitesCultures
Amorgos, November 19, 2024
The 15th Amorgos International Film Festival successfully concluded on November 19, marking a vibrant event that drew participants from 16 countries, including the USA and Canada. Held from November 14 to 19, the festival showcased an impressive 119 films from 45 countries, screened daily as part of its competition section.
An international jury celebrated the event’s top creations, with Switzerland emerging as a standout, winning multiple awards, including the festival’s Grand Prix. The Swiss Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Stefan Estermann, honored the occasion with his presence, personally accepting awards on behalf of the Swiss filmmakers.
Adding to the festival’s prestige, the Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival, Mr. Aris Katopodis, attended as a special guest. He presented a lecture titled “Bridging Cultures Through Cinema: Reflections from My Journey to Los Angeles,” further enriching the cultural dialogue.
21st International Conference on Culture and Tourism
Running alongside the film festival was the 21st International Conference on Culture and Tourism, which featured engaging talks and interactive discussions, including:
- The Importance of Tourism Festivals by Irina Kankosvili.
- The End of Cinema Ideal: A Curtain Call for a Palace of Memories by Aristarhos Papa Daniel.
- Preserving Cycladic Identity Through Tourism by Nikos Pappas.
- Cycladic Culture Through Local Gastronomy by Giorgos Pitas.
- A Journey of Flavors Through Olive Oil by Maria Karampela, accompanied by an olive oil tasting led by Ms. Fotini Trypintiri.
- The Tradition of Amorgian Tunics by Irene Bekri.
Cultural Experiences and Excursions
Festival attendees immersed themselves in the island’s heritage and natural beauty through daily cultural and culinary activities, including:
- Visits to the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, Amorgos Town with its three museums (Folklore, Ecclesiastical, and Archaeological), and the Tower of Agia Triada.
- Tours of traditional villages like Langada and Tholaria, featuring stops at local olive mills, churches, and cultural landmarks.
- Gastronomic tours at renowned restaurants such as Pyrgos, Marousso Tavern, Mezedopoleio Gefseon, Kostaras Restaurant, and Ambrosia Restaurant at Aegialis Hotel & Spa.
Collaborations and Sponsors
The festival was co-organized by the Cultural Association of Amorgos Women and the Municipality of Amorgos, with support from the South Aegean Region and prominent sponsors:
- The Hellenic Film Center
- The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO)
- The Ministry of the Aegean and Island Policy
- Motor Oil
- AIGEAS Non-Profit Organization
- Aegialis Hotel & Spa
Once again, the Amorgos International Film Festival demonstrated the power of culture to unite people and highlighted the Cycladic identity and the global appeal of Greek tourism.
