Cash-strapped filmmakers with lots of energy

July 6, 2011, 2:00 PM

Plato´s Academy

How do you make films when your country is about to go bankrupt? This and other topics were discussed at today’s Master Class with young Greek filmmakers, who have their own section at this year’s festival. All four guests admitted it was not easy, but while director Alexis Alexiou is pessimistic about the future, his colleague, Argyris Papadimitropoulos, is still optimistic. “Filmmaking has become more spontaneous and there is more solidarity among filmmakers. Plus, when you don’t work, you have more time to write scripts. You have to focus on the positive, otherwise you’re going to sit at home, feel sorry for yourself and never make any films.”

The filmmakers agreed that making films in Greece was never easy, even before the crisis. “Today, you have to improvise more, ask others for help. Your friends become your private investors, there is no state money,” said Papadimitropoulos, who will introduce his film Wasted Youth tonight.

Another Greek success is this year’s Oscar-nominee Dogtooth. “It made more money in Greece when it came out on DVD sold at newsstands than in the movies. That should tell you something,” said producer Amanda Livanou. The discussion at the Jameson Festival Lounge, where the broken air-conditioning created an authentic Greek atmosphere, also touched on the controversy Greek films stir at home or the difference between Greek filmmakers of the 70s and the current generation that sees social problems through personal stories.

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