The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival (TIDF) is gearing up for its 27th edition, set to take place from March 6 to March 16, 2024. This year, the festival has unveiled an impressive lineup for its International Competition, featuring a diverse array of films that promise to captivate audiences with their unique stories, thought-provoking themes, and creative storytelling. Among the selected films are three that made their world premieres at the Sundance Film Festival—Coexistence, My Ass!, Free Leonard Peltier, and GEN_—as well as one that debuted at the Berlinale, Under the Flags, the Sun. The remainder of the lineup consists of world premieres, further showcasing the festival’s commitment to highlighting fresh and innovative voices in documentary filmmaking.
At the heart of the International Competition is the coveted Golden Alexander Award, accompanied by a cash prize of 12,000 euros. The Silver Alexander, worth 5,000 euros, is also up for grabs. What makes TIDF even more significant is its status as an Oscar-qualifying festival. The film that wins the Golden Alexander will automatically qualify to submit for Academy Awards consideration in the Documentary Feature category, adding an extra layer of prestige to the competition. This recognition underscores the festival’s role as a platform for films that not only tell compelling stories but also have the potential to make a global impact.
The lineup itself is a testament to the festival’s dedication to showcasing films that explore the human condition, social justice, and the complexities of our world. One of the standout films is Bull’s Heart, directed by Eva Stefani, which offers an intimate and existential journey into the life of renowned choreographer and visual artist Dimitris Papaioannou. The film follows Papaioannou as he tours with his show Transverse Orientation, delving into his creative process and his search for meaning in a chaotic world. This portrait of an artist is both a celebration of his work and a reflection on the universal quest for purpose.
Another highlight is Sculpted Souls, directed by Stavros Psillakis, which tells the extraordinary story of Swiss dentist Julien Grivel. For 26 years, Grivel has been treating Hansen’s disease patients in Greece, an experience that transformed his life and worldview. His friendship with Manolis Fountoulakis, a former Hansenite, serves as a catalyst for a deeper understanding of humanity and the power of compassion. The film is a poignant reminder of how personal journeys can lead to profound social change and a redefinition of one’s place in the world.
The lineup also includes The Goals of August, directed by Dimitris Koutsiabasakos, which offers a kaleidoscopic view of life in a small village in the southern Pindos mountains during an impromptu soccer tournament. Through observation, the film crafts an impressionistic portrait of a community, capturing its charm, contradictions, and vitality. It is a celebration of the beauty of everyday life and the ways in which sport can bring people together, even as it reveals the complexities of human interaction.
International stories are also well-represented in the competition. Child of Dust, directed by Weronika Mliczewska, tells the heart-wrenching story of Sang, a Vietnamese man born to an American soldier during the Vietnam War. Sang’s journey to find his ailing father in the United States is a tale of cultural displacement, family secrets, and the enduring impact of war. The film explores the tensions between past and present, as well as the challenges of cultural identity, offering a deeply personal and universally relatable story.
The festival also shines a light on activism and social justice through films like Coexistence, My Ass!, directed by Amber Fares. This film follows Israeli activist-comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi as she navigates the complexities of peace activism in a bilingual Israeli-Palestinian village. With biting satire and warmth, Noam’s story becomes a powerful exploration of coexistence in a region marked by conflict. Similarly, Free Leonard Peltier, directed by Jesse Short Bull and David France, brings attention to the case of Leonard Peltier, a Native American leader who has been incarcerated for 50 years. The film is a call to action, highlighting the efforts of a new generation of activists fighting for his freedom and justice for Indigenous communities.
Other films in the competition explore themes of identity, science, and spirituality. GEN_, directed by Gianluca Matarrese, introduces audiences to Dr. Maurizio Bini, an Italian doctor who combines fertility and gender affirmation care with compassion and humor. Set against the backdrop of a politically charged environment, the film is a testament to the transformative power of medical ethics and humanity. Meanwhile, Supernatural, directed by Bonaventura Durall, delves into the tension between science and spirituality through the story of Mathu, a medical doctor, and his estranged father, a spiritual healer. Their journey toward reconciliation offers a nuanced exploration of opposing worldviews and the possibility of coexistence.
The lineup also includes films that challenge societal norms and traditions. Kick-Off, directed by Roser Corella and Stefano Obino, follows Gazi, a woman in a conservative village in Kyrgyzstan who organizes a women’s soccer tournament to challenge gender norms. The film is a powerful story of resilience and social change, highlighting the ways in which sport can empower women and break down cultural barriers. Similarly, Under the Flags, the Sun, directed by Juanjo Pereira, offers a visual archaeology of Paraguay’s history under the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner. Recovering forgotten footage, the film reveals the mechanisms of power and propaganda, offering a critical reflection on the country’s past and present.
In summary, the 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival promises to deliver a rich and diverse program that reflects the complexity of our world. From intimate portraits of artists and activists to explorations of identity, justice, and social change, the films in the International Competition offer something for everyone. With its emphasis on fresh voices, global stories, and cutting-edge storytelling, the festival continues to solidify its reputation as a leading platform for documentary filmmaking. As the competition unfolds, audiences will have the opportunity to engage with these powerful stories, each of which has the potential to inspire, challenge, and transform.
