‘Eco Cinema’ in Zakynthos
Following a highly promising debut in Zakynthos last year, the Ecological Film Festival’s aim seems to be its establishment as a permanent event. As organizers prepare for this year’s program, the festival is acquiring a new direction and a new name, «Eco Cinema,» and will take place in Zakynthos in September. Organizing the event is a non-profit company, Cinema and the Environment, headed by the former deputy minister of environment, planning and public works, Ilias Efthymiopoulos; members include representatives of various film and ecological associations. «The company will not restrict itself to merely supporting the festival,» said Efthymiopoulos at a recent press conference. «Our aim is to organize a number of events on the same subject to run parallel; furthermore, upcoming festivals will not necessarily take place at the same venue.» This year’s festival plays tribute to French director Jacques Perrin, with screenings of his films «Microcosmos» and «Le Peuple Migrateur.» These will be accompanied by footage on the making of both long features, which will shed light on the various techniques used to film the extraordinary shoots. Also on the schedule is a workshop set up by the National Geographic magazine, presenting new cinematography techniques in wildlife filming. A number of discussions, exhibitions, outdoor screenings as well as a presentation of Greek productions are also on the festival’s program. Requests to participate in the festival have already arrived from Indian and Japanese filmmakers, while the deadline for film applications is in May. The Eco Cinema administration office is at 44 Vassileos Constantinou, in Athens, on the first floor.
