Athens Ethnographic Film Festival 2024
I am deeply honored to have been invited to the 15th Ethnofest – Athens Ethnographic Film Festival with my short film, A Guide to Dance for Adult Children. The festival ran from November 27th to December 8th, 2024, with physical screenings scheduled from November 27th to December 1st.
Ethnofest, established in 2010, is one of Europe’s leading festivals in visual anthropology and ethnographic film. Held annually each November, it serves as an international platform showcasing socially-conscious and thought-provoking documentary films from around the globe. The festival promotes the integration of documentary filmmaking, ethnography, and visual anthropology, as well as the broader use of audiovisual media in social research.
The 15th edition of Ethnofest highlighted its commitment to cultural engagement, even amidst a global climate of ongoing crises. The festival underscored the responsibility of cultural institutions to reflect on these challenges, emphasizing the role of films as tools to explore the complexities of the world, foster imagination, and cultivate empathy.
The festival featured an impressive range of programming, including: the main programme, with sections such as Student Films, Panorama, and Filmic Experiments. special screenings, thematic sections, retrospectives, and films with a strong ethnographic sensibility. Parallel events such as seminars, workshops, masterclasses, Q&A sessions, and exhibitions, which enriched the festival experience and fostered dialogue.
I had the incredible opportunity to experience the entire festival at Ethnofest. The team behind it is not only highly critical and thoughtful but also exceptionally welcoming and supportive. They went above and beyond to help me network and connect with other students and filmmakers. I deeply appreciate their reflective approach and the meaningful way they utilize their platform to foster dialogue and engagement.
Ethnofest also offers a summer school on visual anthropology, which includes a dedicated section of screenings showcasing films produced during their program. This initiative reflects their commitment to nurturing new talent and exploring interdisciplinary connections. I highly recommend this festival to anyone interested in documentary filmmaking and the intersection of social sciences and visual storytelling.
I am especially grateful for the support from AG Kurzfilm, which made my participation possible. They covered 70% of my flight expenses (up to a maximum of 200 Euros) and provided up to 100 Euros towards accommodation. This generous support allowed me to bring my film to a wider audience while also giving me the invaluable opportunity to connect with fellow students, visual anthropologists, and filmmakers. Engaging with professionals from diverse disciplines significantly enriched my understanding of visual anthropology and its intersection with filmmaking.
Ultimately, participating in the 15th Ethnofest was an extraordinary experience that contributed immensely to my professional development and broadened the reach of my work. I am deeply thankful to AG Kurzfilm for their crucial role in this unforgettable and enriching journey.
https://www.ethnofest.gr/