28th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival

Jury Statements:

International Competition: Birds of War

A testament to extraordinary courage, dedication, and strength, Birds of War (UK/Syria/Lebanon) is a film which is exceptional in both content and form. Integrating voice, video, and text messages, video diaries, TV footage, screenshots, documentary material from war zones, and rushes from the day-to-day struggle of a citizen filmmaker, this film tells the story of two people brought together by their steadfast belief in the power of the image and their shared conviction in the responsibility of documentary filmmaking and independent journalism. To the idea that the political is always personal, and the personal always political, Birds of War gives a new, almost breathtaking meaning. Not only is this a film about dedication and solidarity, it is also a story about love in very dark times and the determination of two filmmakers to share their life and work.

Greek Competition: Exile(s), Tales from an Island

A subtle analysis of a very complicated reality. A nuanced approach to a harsh history and a bleak present. An objective, multi faceted gaze into past tragedies and today’s transiences. Director Yorgos Iliopoulos manages to make us feel the curse upon an island in the Aegean through it’s recording of the inhabitants’ humble testimonies. Carefully avoiding quick judgement and slowly uncovering a long history of violence, injustices and destruction, the young filmmaker exposes the deep sadness of a once upon a time joyful and prosperous environment. Iliopoulos demonstrates once again how the unwillingness of political authorities to respect an international treaty transforms both the native population and the newcomers into hostages of a sinister and clumsy social engineering project.