Greek cinema at TIFF 2019

Greek cinema will be represented at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival by the following films:

“Entwined” by Minos Nikolakakis

(World premiere, Greek with English subtitles, 89 min.)

Minos Nikolakakis' enchanting, mystical debut tells the story of Panos, a doctor from the city who relocates to a remote village where he meets a spirit who will change his life forever.

Once upon a time, Panos (Prometheus Aleiferopoulos), a doctor from the city, relocates to a remote village, offering his services to its aging community. It's love at first sight when he sets eyes on the fair Danae (Anastasia-Rafaela Konidi), who has a rare condition that causes her skin to resemble tree bark. Feared by the superstitious villagers, Danae lives in isolation deep in the forest, trapped in a proverbial castle, and our enamoured hero is determined to rescue her. As Panos searches for a cure for Danae, time stands still in the dreamlike paradise he now inhabits. Unbeknownst to him, however, Danae is not a helpless princess waiting for her prince — and it's not long until she presents him with an ultimatum that will drain him of more than he ever thought possible. Though only days have passed, Panos is aware that, for both lovers, time is running out.

Director Minos Nikolakakis creates an enchanting, mystical debut inspired by Balkan legends and rural customs. The film's vanguard approach is so total that we may not notice its lingering curiosities — making for suspenseful and intriguing reveals throughout.

Filmed in the Peloponnese peninsula, the origin of several ancient Greek myths, Entwined is a modern fairy tale on the precipice of realism. With its imagination cleverly concealed behind the logical and the lucid, the film reminds us of the human tendency to ignore what is felt and happening before our very eyes.

Showtimes and ticket options are available on TIFF’s website.

“Route 3” by Thanasis Neofotistos

(as part of the Short Cuts Programme – 13 min.)

In a sweaty, overcrowded tram in Sarajevo, a shy teenager is beset by every imaginable impediment as he tries to capture the attention of his object of desire. Yet the overheated hero of this wild farce will not be easily defeated.

Showtimes and ticket options are available on TIFF’s website.

Both films are supported by the Greek Film Centre. Their representatives will be available for the cinema industry members from September 7 to 13 at the EFP booth #24 at the Industry Centre, Mezzanine Level, Hyatt Hotel, to provide information on filming in Greece (25% cash rebate, locations, filming permits, crews etc.)