logo
Thessaloniki's Industry Head on ‘Embracing' Change, Providing a Safe Harbor for Documentary Filmmakers in Turbulent Times

Thessaloniki's Industry Head on ‘Embracing' Change, Providing a Safe Harbor for Documentary Filmmakers in Turbulent Times

Yahoo05-03-2025

The Thessaloniki Intl. Documentary Festival's industry arm, Agora, which runs parallel to the fest's 27th edition from March 7 – 15, returns with a renewed sense of purpose for filmmakers devoted to a medium that feels more vital than ever.
Taking place at a time when the very notion of truth is under threat, the event will gather documentary filmmakers, commissioners, funding bodies and other industry representatives to reckon not only with the existential crises facing the doc community, but the practical concerns for filmmakers faced with ongoing financing and distribution challenges.
More from Variety
'We Live Here,' About a Former Soviet Nuclear Test Site, Boarded by Syndicado Ahead of CPH:DOX Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)
'Adobe of Down,' About a Religious Community in Siberia, Picked Up by Taskovski Ahead of CPH:DOX Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)
Greenwich Entertainment Acquires Peter Miller's 'Marcella,' Sets May Theatrical Release (EXCLUSIVE)
In such turbulent times, industry events like Agora are all the more essential to the health of the documentary ecosystem, according to Thessaloniki industry head Angeliki Vergou.
'Markets are the core of the audiovisual industry. People attend them because they want to meet each other, they want to exchange [ideas],' Vergou tells Variety. 'This is the main purpose why we exist: so we can bring good projects together with good professionals, in order to create and promote good content.'
Amid belt-tightening at public and private broadcasters, corporate retrenchment at major streaming platforms and shifting audience habits, documentary filmmakers must walk a tightrope to bring that content to the screen. Yet the Agora team has worked tirelessly through the years to keep pace with the industry's evolution. This year, for example, sees the introduction of the Agora XR Lab, a new program dedicated to XR and New Media projects in development that dovetails with Agora's overall mission to 'embrace technology and new realities of production,' according to Vergou.
The old certainties of how documentary films are financed, produced and distributed have crumbled, ushering in a new reality to which many industry professionals are still struggling to adapt. 'When you hear it from everywhere, you know that there is a shift happening,' Vergou says. 'We need to figure out — and when I say 'we,' I mean the industry, the funds, the broadcasters, the sales agents — everyone needs to sit down together and try to figure out the way forward. Definitely, there needs to be experimentation about what works, what doesn't work. New ideas — we shouldn't be afraid of trying new things.'
Highlighting Thessaloniki's commitment to bringing new cinematic voices and ideas to the forefront, this year's edition of the Pitching Forum and Docs in Progress — which include projects from Southeastern Europe, as well as the wider Mediterranean and Black Sea regions — aim to find a balance 'between up-and-coming festival titles but also [films that] strike a more commercial chord,' Vergou explains.
Diversity, as ever, is key. 'We try to amplify diverse voices and of course shed light on topics that are very important right now, like human rights, identity — and, of course, the war that is inevitable all around us,' says Vergou. 'As well as love, romance, companionship.' She laughs. 'Trying to find the hope in all of that.'
Fourteen projects from 15 nations — including two series, one documentary for kids and one animated documentary — will take part in this year's Pitching Forum. Among them are new films from Poland's Michał Marczak, a Sundance prizewinner for 'All These Sleepless Nights,' and Belgium's Volkan Üce, whose 'All-In' played at CPH:DOX and Hot Docs. Recent editions have helped launch critically acclaimed films including Greek filmmaker Elina Psykou's 'Stray Bodies' (pictured), a Thessaloniki and CPH:DOX premiere in 2024, and 'Blueberry Dreams,' by Georgia's Elene Mikaberidze, which also premiered in Copenhagen last year.
Over at Docs in Progress, 10 projects from 12 countries have been selected to take part, along with four Greek documentaries chosen for the Agora Boost program dedicated to projects from the host nation. Among them are 'Future Tenses,' from veteran Greek filmmaker Christos Karakepelis, and French-Algerian newcomer Mia Bendrimia's 'Magma,' which won several prizes at Marrakech's Atlas Workshops. Recent Docs in Progress success stories include Portuguese director Paulo Carneiro's Cannes Directors' Fortnight premiere 'Savanna and the Mountain,' and 'Diaries From Lebanon,' by Lebanese filmmaker Myriam El Hajj, which premiered in the Berlinale's Panorama Dokumente sidebar.
Thessaloniki's Agora has long looked to boost projects from countries where documentary filmmakers are at risk — among the line-up this year are projects from Ukraine, Palestine, Georgia, Turkey and Algeria — and the upcoming edition will see the launch of a new initiative, Doc Together, in partnership with DOK Leipzig, that's designed to address some of the critical challenges they face.
The initiative, says Vergou, aims to support the growing number of filmmakers 'that cannot have access to funding due to political reasons, or because aspects of their identity [such as ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation] are targeted in their country.' That includes 'displaced or exiled filmmakers, as well as filmmakers working in peril in their own countries,' she says. Working in collaboration with DOK Leipzig, which will host the event's next chapter at its upcoming edition, the goal is to explore avenues for those filmmakers to access financing and other resources.
This year's Agora is especially committed to fostering an environment that will allow the attending industry guests to thrive, both during the Thessaloniki event and when they return to their home countries. A session during the Agora Talks program, hosted in collaboration with #DocSafe, will look to further that initiative's goals to address unsafe practices and foster accountability in the documentary industry.
Meanwhile, in the Warehouse complex that hosts Agora activities throughout the week, a 'decompression room' will be available to all participants — whether to take part in morning sessions with a holistic therapist to prepare for the day ahead, or to 'ground themselves after a day of meetings, pitching, networking,' says Vergou.
'Thessaloniki and Agora have always been a safe place to pitch, and to meet and network,' she adds. 'But with everything that's going on in the world, there is an extra need to feel safe and not exposed.'
The Thessaloniki Intl. Documentary Festival takes place March 6 – 16.
Best of Variety
Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More
What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
What's Coming to Netflix in March 2025

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘How to Train Your Dragon' Star Nico Parker Says ‘I Just Don't Care' That People Are Upset Over Her Casting: ‘I Can't Value Your Opinion on My Hair'
‘How to Train Your Dragon' Star Nico Parker Says ‘I Just Don't Care' That People Are Upset Over Her Casting: ‘I Can't Value Your Opinion on My Hair'

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

‘How to Train Your Dragon' Star Nico Parker Says ‘I Just Don't Care' That People Are Upset Over Her Casting: ‘I Can't Value Your Opinion on My Hair'

Nico Parker is paying no mind to those who are upset about her casting in the live-action 'How to Train Your Dragon.' In a recent interview with The Times of London, Parker addressed the online backlash surrounding her casting as the young dragon butt kicker Astrid. Some were upset that Parker doesn't have blonde hair and blue eyes like the character in the original animated 'How to Train Your Dragon.' However, the 20-year-old British actress explained that she does not let those comments get to her head. More from Variety 'How to Train Your Dragon' Soars to Korea Box Office Crown 'How to Train Your Dragon' Review: DreamWorks Swoops Into the Remake Game With Respectful Cover From Co-Director of 2010 Toon Live-Action 'How To Train Your Dragon' Among Additions to Annecy Lineup 'There's some people that really love the animated movies and really want to see an exact play-by-play of that film, and I hope that you can watch [the new version] and find something that you love about it, regardless,' she said. 'But for the people that just hate inclusivity, hate change — when it comes to that side of things, I just don't care.' She continued, 'If I wouldn't value your opinion on most things in life, I can't value your opinion on my hair. If I did, I would go mad.' Parker comes from a family of filmmakers. Her father is director Ol Parker and her mother is actress Thandiwe Newton. She added that when she was younger, the representation in Hollywood of 'mixed race or Black icons' was 'really minimal,' but thinks it's 'really special' to see how far the industry has come. 'There's still a long way to go — for women in general, in terms of new parts, original material and female-led stories,' Parker added. 'But I think that everything's changing. I'd like to think that I could contribute to that change at some point.' The original 'How to Train Your Dragon,' loosely adapted from the 2003 children's book by Cressida Cowell, was released in 2010 and went on to gross a massive $495 million worldwide. Leading cast members included Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler and America Ferrera. In his review for the new live-action 'How to Train Your Dragon,' which hits theaters June 13, Variety film critic Peter Debruge praised Parker's performance, writing, 'The swaggering Astrid was always the film's most self-reliant character, and in Parker's hands, the romance between her and Hiccup takes on Clark Kent-Lois Lane vibes, especially when the two hit the skies.' Best of Variety 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Animated Program — Can Netflix Score Big With 'Arcane,' 'Devil May Cry' and the Final Season of 'Big Mouth?'

Chris Evans Says It's ‘Sad' Not to Be ‘Invited to the Party' For ‘Avengers: Doomsday': ‘It's Going to Be Much Harder When It Comes Out'
Chris Evans Says It's ‘Sad' Not to Be ‘Invited to the Party' For ‘Avengers: Doomsday': ‘It's Going to Be Much Harder When It Comes Out'

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Chris Evans Says It's ‘Sad' Not to Be ‘Invited to the Party' For ‘Avengers: Doomsday': ‘It's Going to Be Much Harder When It Comes Out'

Chris Evans is bummed he is missing out on all the fun in 'Avengers: Doomsday.' In a recent conversation with ScreenRant, Evans, who played Captain America across eight MCU films, was asked if he still stays in contact with his former Marvel collaborators, considering his exclusion from the highly anticipated 'Avengers: Doomsday.' Evans confirmed that they all keep in touch, but added it feels different having exited the franchise in 'Avengers: Endgame.' More from Variety 'Materialists' Review: Celine Song's Follow-Up to 'Past Lives' Is a Rom-Com Played Straight, With Dakota Johnson as a Matchmaker Tangled Up in Love and Money Chris Evans Skipped His Movie's Cannes Premiere Because It Was His Mom's 70th Birthday and 'Some Things You Just Can't Miss' 'Avengers' Delayed: Marvel Pushes 'Doomsday' and 'Secret Wars' to December 2026 and 2027 'Yeah, I talk to them all the time,' Evans said. 'It's where Pedro [Pascal] is right now. I mean, it's sad to be away. It's sad to not be back with the band, but I'm sure they're doing something incredible, and I'm sure it's going to be that much harder when it comes out, and you feel like you weren't invited to the party.' In 'End Game,' Evans' Captain America ages out of the star-spangled shield after traveling back in time to return the Infinity Stones. He decides to stay in the past with his true love, Peggy Carter, and in the present day, passes the Captain America moniker to Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson. While Evans is staying behind, his 'Avengers' co-stars Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr. are returning for 'Doomsday.' Hemsworth will return as Thor, but Downey will come back as the titular super villain Doctor Doom, instead of Iron Man. Other familiar MCU faces returning for 'Doomsday' include Sebastian Stan as the Winter Soldier; Paul Rudd as Ant-Man; Tom Hiddleston as Loki; Letitia Wright as Shuri and Mackie as Captain America. While originally set for release on May 1, 2026, 'Doomsday' was recently delayed to Dec. 18, 2026. Its sequel, 'Avengers: Secret Wars,' was also pushed. First slated to premiere on May 7, 2027, the film will now hit theaters Dec. 17, 2027. Best of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week

Billie Eilish and Nat Wolff seemingly confirm romance with a kiss in Italy: A timeline of their blossoming relationship
Billie Eilish and Nat Wolff seemingly confirm romance with a kiss in Italy: A timeline of their blossoming relationship

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Billie Eilish and Nat Wolff seemingly confirm romance with a kiss in Italy: A timeline of their blossoming relationship

It looks like summer lovin' for Billie Eilish and her rumored boyfriend, Nat Wolff. The singer-songwriter appeared to confirm her romance with the actor-musician when the pair were seen kissing in Italy on June 7. Rumors that Eilish, 23, and Wolff, 30, were an item hit a fever pitch in March when they were seen leaving the iHeartRadio Music Awards together. Wolff, who is one half of the musical duo Nat & Alex Wolff, with brother Alex, starred in Eilish's self-directed 'Chihiro' music video, which was released in June 2024. Eilish previously described the video as being emblematic of her 'inescapable connection' with Wolff. From their weekend in Coachella to their night out in New York City, here's a look back at Eilish and Wolff's relationship. Wolff's brother, Alex, met Eilish at an Oscars party in 2023. Eilish and both Wolff brothers reportedly grabbed a bite to eat after the party. Eilish, according to Alex, bonded with both brothers over Tourette's syndrome. All three of them live with the disorder, which is characterized by repetitive and involuntary sudden movements. 'Even when I saw Billie on interviews, I said, 'Oh, she's one of us,'' Alex told Variety in October 2024. 'We know all the ways that we try to mute ourselves or try and chill ourselves out or soften ourselves for other people, and how nice it is to not have to do that for certain people.' Eilish attended Coachella with both brothers. The brotherly duo shared photos from their weekend in the desert, which heavily featured the 'Lunch' singer. Wolff starred in Eilish's self-directed music video for her single 'Chihiro' just two months after their Coachella outing. Eilish, in a press release, described the video's concept as showcasing the 'external expression of an internal push and pull, as our deepest feelings of fear, love, or desire inevitably catch up to us, no matter how hard we try to run away.' In the music video, the Grammy winner and the former Nickelodeon star are unable to stay away from one another — which Eilish previously said is representative of their 'inescapable connection.' The Wolff brothers were then confirmed as the opening act for Eilish's Hit Me Hard and Soft North American tour, from September to October 2024, and then again for select dates in November. The duo rejoined Eilish on tour as the opener for her Dec. 17 show in Inglewood, Calif. 'She's one of those people where almost everything she does, she does better than everyone else,' Wolff told Vogue about Eilish in October 2024. 'She's like, 'Come see me ride my horse,' and the teacher says, 'You know, if she put all her energy into it, she could go to the Olympics.' You just have to kind of submit to the fact that she's going to be better than everyone else at everything.' Eilish and Wolff found themselves embroiled in romance rumors in March 2025, when the popular Instagram account Deux Moi shared photos of them leaving the iHeartRadio Music Awards together in Los Angeles. The Hit Me Hard and Soft hitmaker was spotted with Wolff the following week in New York City. While barhopping with friends in the East Village, the pair were reportedly 'very affectionate' with one another. Deux Moi then posted photos of Eilish and Wolff kissing on a balcony in Italy in June 2025. In the carousel of photos, Eilish is seen taking photos of Wolff with a digital camera, while the pair sip flutes of champagne. 'Tbh extremely happy for her bc she deserves a nice healthy love, and Nat's a good guy,' one fan commented on Deux Moi's Instagram post. 'Look at her smiling and everything likee cmon soooo cute🥺🥺🥺🥺!!!'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store