Thessaloniki: ‘The Secret Of Me' From ‘Three Identical Strangers' Producer Grace Hughes-Hallett Among Titles Set For Newcomers Competition
EXCLUSIVE: Ten films including seven world premieres are set to screen as part of the Newcomers Competition at this year's Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival. Scroll down for the full list of projects.
The competition features films over 50 minutes in length created by young filmmakers. The films compete for the Golden Alexander 'Dimitri Eipides' and the Silver Alexander Award. The Golden Alexander 'Dimitri Eipides' award comes with a €10,000 cash prize. The Silver Alexander Award is accompanied by a €4,000 cash prize.
More from Deadline
Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival Sets 2025 In Progress & Agora Boost Sidebars With Projects From Spain, Pakistan & Algeria
Thessaloniki Hails 26th Edition Of Documentary Festival Which Overcame "Episodes Of Violence And Intolerance"
'My Stolen Planet' Wins Top Prize At Thessaloniki Int'l Documentary Festival; Controversial 'Stray Bodies' Earns Festival Recognition
The features include Maia Lekow and Christopher King's How to Build a Library, which debuted at this year's Sundance Film Festival. The Kenyan-shot film follows two intrepid Nairobi women who decide to transform what used to be a whites-only library until 1958 into a vibrant cultural hub. Along the way, they must navigate local politics, raise millions for the rebuild, and confront the lingering ghosts of Kenya's colonial past.
Grace Hughes-Hallett, producer of the BAFTA-nominated Three Identical Strangers, will also screen her debut feature The Secret of Me. The film follows nineteen-year-old Kristi discovers a secret her doctor and parents have kept from her all her life. The film's synopsis reads: It's 1995 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During a feminist studies class, college student Kristi opens her textbook to discover something that turns her world upside down. For as long as she can remember, Kristi has felt different– now she knows why. Demanding her medical records, Kristi is finally confronted with the devastating truth: she has been lied to all her life by those she trusted the most. What follows is the unearthing of an extraordinary and disturbing secret that goes far beyond her own life, leading to the discovery of a psychology experiment on a pair of twins – once hailed as a revolutionary success but now revealed to be a terrible lie affecting thousands around the world.
Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival runs March 6 – 16
Newcomers Competition
Lo, Thanassis Vassiliou, Greece-France, 2025, 70΄ (World Premiere)
A year after the death of his mother, the director returns to his childhood apartment, burdened with debts and memories. Filming its emptiness, he uncovers silences: his estranged father's ties to the dictatorship and his fragmented history. As personal and collective traumas intertwine, he confronts the weight of inherited and unsolved past.
Super Paradise, Steve Krikris, Greece-Germany, 2024, 87΄ (World Premiere)
Over the past 50 years, Mykonos has experienced radical transformations — it was dirt cheap, today it is unaffordable; it was 'off-the-beaten-track,' now it is a top destination; it was a symbol of inclusivity, today it is one of exclusivity. How did a tiny island become a melting pot for such divergent experiences? Was it paradise? Is it still?
Τhey Talk About Worship Here, Byron Kritzas, Greece, 2025, 88΄ (World Premiere)
Poetic, dramatic, and witty, MTV kids hailing from Corfu, Kore. Ydro. were a rare force in the Greek indie pop/rock scene, inspiring both devotion and scorn. This documentary traces their journey, centering on the two core members and the significance of embracing one's uniqueness without shame.
How to Build a Library, Maia Lekow & Christopher King, Kenya, 2025, 102΄ (International premiere)
Two intrepid Nairobi women decide to transform what used to be a whites-only library until 1958 into a vibrant cultural hub. Along the way, they must navigate local politics, raise millions for the rebuild, and confront the lingering ghosts of Kenya's colonial past. Directors Maia Lekow and Christopher King capture the complicated work to restore a library and the deeper challenges of confronting colonial legacies.
My Sunnyside, Matylda Kawka, Poland-USA, 2025, 92΄ (World premiere)
True love can surprise you when you've already lost hope of finding a partner. Allie and Jo knew from the first moment that they would be together. The feeling gave them a strength they never anticipated.
Jo, a trans man, is one of the leading figures in the New York start-up arena, a great speaker, mentor, activist. His partner Allie, a trans woman, is a biology lecturer beloved by her students. When they were in their twenties, coming from small religious communities, they didn't even know the word 'transgender'. Two decades later, their paths cross to create together the family they have always dreamed of and they both begin to transition. We meet them as they prepare for their wedding to the rhythm of family events and celebrations. We witness scenes from the life of an ordinary but unusual family from Sunnyside, Queens, New York. The process of finding their way in their new roles at work and in the community, brings tears as well as an unexpected sense of fulfilment. And just when things are finally starting to look up, Jo receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. Our heroes are faced with questions they didn't expect to come so early on. It turns out that this seemingly unconventional couple manage to create a surprisingly traditional family where everyone feels loved and supported.
Queens of Joy, Olga Gibelinda, Ukraine-France-Czech Republic, 2025, 90΄ (World premiere)
Three Ukrainian drag queens—Marlene, Monroe, and Aura—choose to remain in their war-torn country, fighting for LGBTQ+ inclusion amid Russia's invasion. Spanning from the 2014 Maidan Revolution to spring 2024, their story blends the glamour of drag with the brutality of war. Marlene, a beloved drag icon, hides a vulnerable side as Alexander, grappling with trauma and family obligations. Monroe, a popular influencer, navigates her evolving gender identity while advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Aura, determined to fight for inclusion in both the military and society, balances the chaos of war with her love for drag. A charity drag show becomes a powerful moment of unity and resilience. The film is a story of self-discovery, love, hope, and the power to find joy even in the darkest of times.
Pet Farm, Finn Walther & Martin A. Walther, Norway, 2024, 83΄ (International premiere)
Joakim chases his childhood dream of breeding pet foxes, but external forces threaten to euthanize his beloved fox pack. Pet Farm is a story of loneliness, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human connections over bonds with animals.
Resilience, Tomas Elsik, Czech Republic, 2025, 80΄ (World premiere)
Pavel and Klara see the position of humankind in a larger context. Pavel has been taking care of spring meadows his whole life, cutting the grass with a scythe and helping preserve rare plant species on this planet. Klára hasn't come to terms with human ruthlessness and together with her dogs she hunts for deadly bait traps.
The Secret of Me, Grace Hughes-Hallett, UK, 2025, 80΄
Nineteen-year-old Kristi discovers a secret her doctor and parents have kept from her all her life. Her search for truth uncovers a radical psychology experiment on a pair of identical twins that led to a global medical scandal. It's 1995 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During a feminist studies class, college student Kristi opens her textbook to discover something that turns her world upside down. For as long as she can remember, Kristi has felt different– now she knows why. Demanding her medical records, Kristi is finally confronted with the devastating truth: she has been lied to all her life by those she trusted the most. What follows is the unearthing of an extraordinary and disturbing secret that goes far beyond her own life, leading to the discovery of a psychology experiment on a pair of twins – once hailed as a revolutionary success but now revealed to be a terrible lie affecting thousands around the world.
The Treasure Hunter, Giacomo Gex, UK-Philippines-Mexico, 2025, 84΄ (World premiere)
Yamashita's Gold is known today as a mythical war loot allegedly buried by the Japanese Imperial Army across the Philippine archipelago during World War II for future recovery. Legend has it that to this day most of it remains unrecovered. The story has lured treasure hunters from all around the world. Among them, Jack and his father have dedicated their lives and spent millions of dollars to find it. Shot over seven years, this is the story of a son trying to earn his father's love, trust and respect. A dark path that leads to obsession and unhealthy addiction threatening the livelihood of his wife, children and their entire family.
Best of Deadline
2025 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Oscars, Spirits, Grammys, Tonys, Guilds & More
2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
'The Apprentice' Oscar Nominees Sebastian Stan & Jeremy Strong On Why It's 'More Of A Horror Movie' With "Monstrous Egos"
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Spoleto Festival USA names new music director of the festival chorus
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)—Spoleto Festival USA has appointed a new music director for the festival chorus. Starting in 2026, Dr. Amanda Quist will bring her knowledge to the position of directing the chorus. Dr. Quist is an associate professor and director of choral activities at Western Michigan University. She possesses a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and a Doctoral Cognate in Voice Pedagogy and Science from the University of North Texas. 'We are incredibly excited to welcome Amanda Quist to the Spoleto Festival USA family,' said Spoleto Festival USA General Director and CEO Dr. Mena Mark Hanna. 'Her profound musicality, innovative programming ideas, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of professional singers align perfectly with the Festival's artistic mission. Amanda will build upon Joe Miller's legacy at Spoleto and continue to lead the Festival Chorus to new heights of artistry and excellence.' Dr. Quist was selected for the role after the departure of Dr. Joe Miller, who led in the role for 19 years. 'I am honored and incredibly excited to join Spoleto Festival USA,' said Dr. Quist. 'I look forward to leading this incredible professional choir program and building on the tremendous legacy of world-class choral music at Spoleto. My goal is to cultivate the Festival Chorus as a vital platform for emerging professional singers, allowing them to hone their craft at the highest level across a great diversity of musical opportunities. I envision a chorus that not only delivers breathtaking performances but also inspires a broad audience, making the Festival known to everyone across America and the world.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
"It's all about gut feeling" – IW Festival boss on what makes a true headliner
Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings has revealed that when it comes to booking headline acts, social media clout comes a distant second to old-fashioned instinct. The long-time organiser of the Island's biggest music event says a performer's ability to connect with a real crowd is what truly matters – and no number of TikTok views can replace that. 'It's gut feeling, really,' said Mr Giddings. 'I've learned the hard way in my years in the music business that some people might have sold a lot of records, but they're useless when it comes to performing.' Crowd scene at the main stage at Isle of Wight Festival 2024 (Image: Paul Blackley / IWCP) Recommended reading: Isle of Wight Festival 2025: Main Stage and Big Top schedule revealed! "We're levelling up": Co-op adds second Isle of Wight Festival store for 2025 While he appreciates the appeal of digital fame, he's seen its limits. "I do know artists who've had a million views on TikTok, who can't sell 300 tickets at a club in London. "Just because all these people want to watch them on socials, doesn't mean they're going to pay money to go and see them in a field," Mr Giddings added. The 72-year-old, who has brought the festival back to life since its relaunch in 2002, knows a thing or two about putting on a show. From U2 and Madonna to Phil Collins and Blondie, he's worked with some of the biggest names in music. Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Giddings explained that picking the right acts for Seaclose Park is about more than numbers. 'You want to book acts that have a catalogue that's going to entertain an audience for an hour, hour and a half,' he said. 'And someone who's capable of performing to an audience of 50,000 people in a field, because they need to be able to project, to entertain." Crowd scene at the main stage at Isle of Wight Festival 2024 (Image: Paul Blackley / IWCP) Mr Giddings, who runs his music agency Solo out of London, says finding fresh talent is a vital part of the job. 'Because I'm older, we book acts from past, present and future,' he said. 'There's a discussion in the office as to what new bands are coming up, and you're projecting as to what they're going to be doing in the year's or nine months' time.' There's also room for fresh ideas from all corners of the operation. 'If the truck driver comes up with a good idea and it's a better idea than mine, then go for it,' said Mr Giddings. 'We've got 15 stages on the Isle of Wight, so whatever stage you're at in your career, you can play one of those stages.' Jay-Z, who headlined Friday night at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2010 Looking back on the magic moments over the years, one in particular stands out – Jay Z. 'I remember thinking 50,000 people couldn't go wilder, and then Kanye West walked on with them, and it exploded. 'I turned to my left, and there was Beyonce standing there – I thought 'It couldn't get better than this'.' Now, with more than two decades of organising the modern incarnation under his belt, his passion is undimmed. 'I absolutely love it, which is my downfall because I work all the time, I never think I've actually had a job,' he said. 'It's the most satisfying thing ever to provide entertainment for people.'
News24
2 days ago
- News24
Chicken Licken cries fowl as ad board rules KFC copied its characters
Chicken Licken has won a complaint against KFC at the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), after accusing its rival of copying iconic characters from its ad campaigns. The dispute centred on KFC's recent 'All Star Box' YouTube commercial, which Chicken Licken claimed featured lookalikes of its well-known characters Sbu and David 'Legs of Thunder' Mgijimi. The 'All Star Box' ad centres on a protagonist who enjoys a meal while accompanied by clones of himself, emphasising the box meal's value. The storyline introduces two additional characters who observe the protagonist and then decide to order the same meal for themselves. Chicken Licken submitted that KFC's advertisement used characters resembling its own without permission. According to Chicken Licken, these characters are central to its brand image and have been featured in its ads for years. Since KFC and Chicken Licken are direct competitors in the fast-food market, the complainant felt this was a calculated move. It further claimed KFC's ad wasn't just borrowing ideas; it was outright imitation. KFC denied that it had copied anything deliberately and described the ad as a parody meant to highlight the appeal of the 'All Star Box.' No names or products were included in the ad, KFC said, and it didn't mention Chicken Licken at all. A line in the ad used the term 'salty,' which Chicken Licken also took issue with. KFC argued it was slang meaning someone was envious and that it wasn't meant as a jab at Chicken Licken's food. After reviewing the complaint and the ad, the ARB ruled in favour of Chicken Licken. It noted undeniable similarities between the characters in KFC's ad and Chicken Licken's. According to the ARB, KFC undermined its rival's advertising efforts, as both parties are close competitors in the fast-food industry and recycling its original advertising dilutes its marketing value. The ARB said that humour or parody cannot be used as an excuse when it results in copying or exploiting ideas that help identify a competing brand. In its ruling, the board found KFC to be in breach of the advertising code, which specifically bans mimicry that harms a competitor's advertising value. KFC was told to pull the plug on its 'All Star Box' commercial across all platforms immediately.
