Balloons

Balloons

Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό Νέοι Σκηνοθέτες/ International New Directors Competition
EFTHYMIOS PAPAEFTHYMIOU
14
Greece
2026
A teenage boy, immersed in grief after the recent loss of his father, struggles to cope with his emotions in a home that offers him no sense of safety. Living with his mother and her new partner—a harsh, short-tempered, and verbally abusive man—he is confronted daily with fear, tension, and isolation. Unable to express himself openly, he finds refuge in a peculiar, almost ritualistic habit: inflating balloons. Through this silent act, he releases the pressure building inside him, maintaining a fragile balance between endurance and eruption. As the tension in the household escalates, the balloons transform from a means of escape into a symbol of his inner strength. Gradually, the boy finds the courage to stand up to the fear that oppresses him. Through this confrontation, he embarks on a deeper journey: coming to terms with his father’s loss and reshaping his relationship with himself and the world around him.
I work as a community pharmacist, moving daily through the quiet, intimate realities of people’s lives—listening, observing, holding space. Beneath that structured world, cinema has always been my way of understanding what cannot be measured: grief, silence, human fragility. My path has been shaped by studies in health and business, but also by a growing need to tell stories that linger beyond facts. I am currently studying film, specializing in directing and editing, searching for a language that feels honest and unguarded. This film is my third attempt to translate that inner landscape into images—a continuation of a personal journey where observation becomes narrative, and where the boundaries between science and emotion begin to dissolve.
Cookin' Around

Cookin' Around

Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό Νέοι Σκηνοθέτες/ International New Directors Competition
Dimitris Dimitriadis
20
Greece
2026
A mockumentary following Pantelis, a 27 year old (very) amateur cook, failing his way through the world of food vlogging.
Dimitris Dimitriadis was born and raised in Kastoria Greece. After attending film school he discovered his passion for the art of editing. He is currently working as an assistant editor and a freelance editor.
Even if causes exist, they don't matter or vertical lines

Even if causes exist, they don't matter or vertical lines

Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό Νέοι Σκηνοθέτες/ International New Directors Competition
Polydoros Kalaitzis
15
Greece
2025
A telephone operator tries to redefine her life when she begins to lose her hearing.
GO AWAYYY

GO AWAYYY

Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό Νέοι Σκηνοθέτες/ International New Directors Competition
Christodoulos Kigmalis
6
Greece
2026
A happy young woman, Dina, will meet her match, but an unpleasant surprise awaits her...
homesick

homesick

Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό Νέοι Σκηνοθέτες/ International New Directors Competition
Dimitra Mazi
16
Greece
2026
Sofia’ s life is split between two cities after leaving her loved ones behind for postgraduate studies in Athens. During the Christmas season, on the eve of her birthday, she finally returns. The journey from Athens to Thessaloniki is the only thing standing between her and the people she loves.
Dimitra Mazi is an actress and filmmaker based in Athens, and a graduate of the 'Iakovos Kambanellis' Drama School. She has extensive experience in theatre and education, collaborating with prominent directors and international organizations (Erasmus+, Mostar Friedensprojekt). Her work is deeply committed to social contribution, coordinating drama workshops in correctional facilities. With her film 'homesick', she makes her directorial debut, blending her acting experience with a profound need for human-centered cinematic storytelling.
MAVRO VOUNO (black mountain)

MAVRO VOUNO (black mountain)

Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό Νέοι Σκηνοθέτες/ International New Directors Competition
Nikos Kakonas
15
Greece
2025
Within the concrete silence of Athens, a child is lost in the shadow of its own mother. When the light fades, a grandmother's love becomes the only way out.
Nikolaos Kakonas is working as editor and cameraman in Greece. He has studied Director of Photography in Scotland. Mavro Vouno is his deput short film as a director.
Morning

Morning

Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό Νέοι Σκηνοθέτες/ International New Directors Competition
Vasia Skylakaki
3
Greece
2026
A morning made of small movements that turn the ordinary into life.
Routine Inspection

Routine Inspection

Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό Νέοι Σκηνοθέτες/ International New Directors Competition
Leokratis Stikoulos
8
Greece
2025
Returning home, Andy finds his door open and two uninvited guests inside who torment him with what they claim is a fake gun. The situation spirals through twists, power shifts, and misunderstandings—only to become even more complex when his neighbor Anna suddenly knocks, adding to the absurdity of the situation.
A 26 year old boy from Greece with a bachelor in Hotel Management and an all time passion for films.After obtaining the bachelor and working on hotels a complete change of career at first with seminars to learn about the basics of filmaking then a 2,5 month stint in Stockholm for a short term seminar about directing.A graduate of MET Film School in Berlin with a masters in DIrecting you will find me expanding my horizons at the art of cinema and always ready for the next movie to be made.
The Village

The Village

Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό Νέοι Σκηνοθέτες/ International New Directors Competition
Melanie Georgiou
11
Greece
2025
When 12 year old Elias spends a quiet weekend with his grandparents in the village, a simple scene in the cafe brings him face to face with his grandfather's gender-based behaviors and leads him to a silent, personal revolution.
She was born in Dusseldorf on the 7th of July 1979. She was raised there and went to Greek school till the age of 18. In 1997, she was came to Greece in order to study and she lives here ever since. Studies: - 2001 : Technological Educational Institute of Athens, School of Health and Welfare Professions, Department of Medical Laboratories. - 2017 : Music Technology at DIEK of Ilioupolis - 2019: Directorate of Art at DIEK of Chaidari. - 2022: Master of Health Management -2023: BA in Film Writing, Practice & Research (In progress) Filmography: - Tableau Vivant - Refugees, A New East - 2018 / Art Director - Till now - Danny Ntarlas Video Clip - 2019 / Art Director - Short film: Returns. 2019/ Writer- Director - Short film: Η μαμά μαγειρεύει πατάτες. 2021/ Sound - Spot: for Domestiv violence - 2021/ Break the cycle Aspida/ Art Director - Short film: Deja Vu - 2024/ Writer- Director - Short Doc: Βack in Bucharest- 2024 / Writer- Director - Short film: The Decision - 2024 / Writer- Director- Sound Design - Short film: The Village -2025/ Writer- Director- Montaz- Sound Design
FaLang translation system by Faboba