Memory, oblivion, the handling of historical traumas and the formation of a national identity are key concepts in the history of places and peoples, but most of all in the confrontation with both our ghosts and ourselves. These issues are particularly relevant today, 200 years after the Revolution of 1821
The original multimedia project The city and the city is a feature film – installation, co-directed by Christos Passalis and Syllas Tzoumerkas, two directors both born in Thessaloniki in 1978, who are engaging in a creative return to their hometown for the first time. A film project that blurs the lines between fiction, documentary and essay film. Six episodes from the life and perils of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki intertwine with the image of the city as it is today, creating a multi-character narration where two cities co-exist in the same frame: the city of Thessaloniki of the previous century and the city in its present state. Concept – Screenplay – Directors: Christos Passalis and Syllas Tzoumerkas. Director of photography: Simos Sarketzis. Editor: Yorgos Zafiris. Cast: Vassilis Kanakis, Alexandros Vardaxoglou, Angeliki Papoulia, Argyris Xafis, Niki Papandreou, Vassilis Karamboulas, Themis Bazaka, Danai Primali, Maria Filini, Laertis Malkotsis, Michalis Kimonas, Marisha Triantaffyllidou etc.
The city and the city, in collaboration with Thessaloniki International Film Festival and a co-production of Homemade films and producer Maria Drandaki and the Greek National Opera Alternative Stage, will be presented at the Greek National Opera Alternative Stage, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, on July 8, 9, 10, 11. The project is curated by Orestis Andreadakis.
This production, part of a tribute to the 2021 bicentennial of the Greek Revolution, is made possible by a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) [www.SNF.org].
With the support of the MOMus, Claims Conference, EKOME, Deutsch-Griechischer Zukunftsfonds, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung – Office in Greece, the Region of Central Macedonia and the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, and the collaboration of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the Municipality of Thermaikos and the Athens Film Office.
