The Awards Ceremony of the 7th Nafplio International Film Festival “Bridges” took place at the Vouleftiko on December 8, 2024. Artistic Director Petra Terzi expressed her gratitude to the Municipality of Nafplio for their collaboration and presented the awards alongside educator Nikos Galanis. Greetings were delivered by Deputy Mayor Giorgos Frangkioudakis and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture, Dimitris Milios.

Petra Terzi said: “The Volunteerism Awards Ceremony and Film Awards Ceremony in the various categories of the Nafplio Bridges International Film Festival is a celebration that honors the fundamental values underpinning creative endeavors and social contribution.

The films competing in the Bridges Festival reflect the concerns and aspirations of emerging filmmakers, promoting ideals such as humanity, peace, and solidarity. Through their artistic lens, these creators illuminate pressing global issues, striving to redefine the present and build a better future.

This ceremony pays tribute to all who contribute to the cinematic arts and society, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the collective fight for a fairer, more sustainable world.

The event holds a special symbolic significance as it bridges the present artistic creativity with history and universal values. The competing films not only advocate for principles like humanity and unity but also honor the heritage of different nations, reminding us of the importance of history and cultural legacy.

With its international scope, the ceremony underscores the need to respect the origins of diverse cultures and to never forget our roots. It is our duty to honor our ancestors who fought for freedom, unity, and universality, paving the way for a fairer and more inclusive world for future generations.

The selection of the Vouleftiko, the first Greek Parliament after the War of Independence in 1821, as the venue for the ceremony is especially meaningful. This historic building symbolizes the establishment of freedom and democracy. Through this event, the Nafplio Bridges Film Festival not only acknowledges the contributions of volunteers and filmmakers but also connects the present with history, highlighting the importance of memory and cultural continuity.

In this historic space, the past is honored while the creativity, inspiration, and momentum of the future are celebrated, reaffirming our shared commitment to building a world rooted in peace, freedom, and collaboration.”

The jury for this year’s festival consists of esteemed professionals from the film industry:

• Dr. Alexis Chaviaras: A multi award winner director with expertise in animation and storytelling.

• Karolina Rum: A producer known for her impactful contributions to the production landscape in LA and Europe..

• Demetris Kannavos: A cyber journalist, bringing a modern perspective with a focus on digital media and technology in film.

HONORS FOR VOLUNTEER GROUPS

• Choral Workshop of Nafplio – Yiannis Nikolopoulos

• The Parorites (Storytellers) – Dina Kalogeropoulou & Stelios Karatasos

• Blood Bonds (Argolis Volunteer Blood Donors Association) – Dimitrios Sellis

• Cultural Gateway – Voula Dedea

• The Stray Animals – Nafplio Animal Welfare Society – Stelios Kyriakou

• Hellenic Rescue Team of Argolis – Konstantinos Tsioros

• Hellenic Red Cross (Nafplio Regional Branch) – Ioanna Pappa

• Progressive Association “Palamidis” – Theodosis Spantideas

• Volunteer Group of Megara Residents – Vice President Dimitris Christovasilis

• Forest Fire Protection Volunteer Association of Loutraki-Perachora – Aimilios Smerneas, member

• Rescue Team of Corinthians “PEGASOS” – Konstantinos Giannakenas, President

• HELLENIC MEDIA GROUP – Dimitris Kannavos

• Women’s Vocal Ensemble “Symfonia” – Theodosis Antoniadis

FILM AWARDS iN VARIOUS CATEGORIES

HONORARY MENTION

Sock’s Manifesto – Angeliki Pardalidou, Greece, 2022, 3’ 30”

HONORARY MENTION

Miss Dress – Panos Boras, Greece, 2024, 9’ 47”

HONORARY MENTION

You Have To Relax – George Rallis, Greece, 2024, 9’21”

HONORARY MENTION

THE SILENT SYNTHETIC SYMPHONY: A Human-AI Collaboration – Giannakopoulos Efstathios, Greece, 2024, 7’

HONORARY MENTION

Autumn Spoors – Vasilis Bosmis, Greece, 2024, 23’12”

HONORARY MENTION

Astro Gorilla – Vasilis Kalemos, Greece, 2023, 14’15”

HONORARY MENTION

The Resignation – George Thomas Michalakis, Greece, 2024, 11’34”

BEST WE CAN DO

Τhe Want – Mania Syriopoulou, Greece, 2022, 6’39”

BEST ANIMATION

Happy Birthday – Naya Filaou, Greece, 2024, 4’

BEST ART FILM

No Halloween this year_The Horror IsReal – Lambros Papathanasiou, Greece, 2023, 3’5”

BEST VR FILM

The Duguesclin Tower – Ronan Liot, France, 2023, 14’41”

BEST GREEK SHORT FILM shared to:

1. Jasteece – Christina Charcharidi, Greece, 2024, 13’24”

2. City of Lost Souls – Nikos Mpouyioukas, Greece, 2023, 14’

BEST MUSIC SCORE

Return Of The Creeps – Nikos Chantzis, Greece,2023, 99’

BEST HISTORICAL SHORT FILM

The Rebels Of Pontus – Leonidas Perdetzis & Avraam Papadopoulos, Greece, 2022, 20’

BEST GREEK HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM

EMBROS: a free self-managed theatre – Alkistis Kafetzi, Greece, 2024, 71’

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM

Belki Sibe – Alexis Daloumis, Greece, 2023, 98’

BEST INTERNATIONAL HISTORICAL FILM

My Native America – Jim Warne, USA, 2024, 76’ 4”

BEST GREEK HISTORICAL FEATURE FILM

Diakos – The Hero-martyr – Archimandrite Pavlos Douros, Greece, 2023, 110’

BEST PHILOSOPHICAL FILM shared to:

1. Eleventh Second – Kostas Spanoudakis, Greece, 2024, 20’

2. The Merciless Tarot Cards – Tefkros Sakellaropoulos, Greece, 2023, 17’19”

BEST FANTASY SHORT FILM

Mangata – Maja Costa, Germany, 2023, 15’38”

BEST FANTASY FEATURE FILM

In a FishBowl – Konstantinos Fragkoulis, Greece, 2022, 75’

BEST MYTHOLOGICAL FILM

MEDEA – Dimitri Athanitis, Greece, 2022, 82’

BEST AUDIENCE FILM AWARD

Self-Defence – Alexia Tsouni, Greece, 2024, 20’