Super Paradise: A Journey Through Mykonos’ Transformation
"Super Paradise," a documentary by Steve Krikris, offers a heartfelt and reflective look at the Greek island of Mykonos, capturing its evolution from a humble fishing village to a luxury hotspot. The film, which premiered at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, is not merely a nostalgic ode to the island’s past but a rich tapestry that weaves together history, personal memoir, and cultural critique. Krikris, who spent his formative years on Mykonos, brings a deep emotional connection to the project, making it more than just a documentary—it’s a personal journey back to the place that shaped his adolescence and sparked his passion for filmmaking.
Central to "Super Paradise" is the story of Mykonos in the 1960s and 1970s, a time when the island became a beacon of freedom and self-expression. During these years, Mykonos attracted a diverse crowd of hippies, artists, and free spirits, creating a unique bohemia that was ahead of its time. The film captures this era through vibrant interviews with individuals who lived through it, recounting tales of endless summers spent under the stars, where fishermen, VIPs, and hippies mingled without pretense. Krikris himself remembers these times fondly, noting that the island’s spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie was a defining influence on his life, leading him to pursue a career in film. The documentary is, in many ways, a love letter to this lost era, one that shaped not just the island’s identity but also the filmmaker’s own trajectory.
The film traces Mykonos’ remarkable transformation, beginning with its impoverished state during World War II and moving through its rise as a hippie enclave in the 1970s. It then examines the island’s current state as a destination for the wealthy elite. This transformation is not unique to Mykonos; as the film points out, it is part of a broader trend of global tourism that has transformed places like Bali, Ibiza, and Cancun. The once-thriving fishing community has given way to luxury villas, high-end boutiques, and exclusive nightclubs, creating a stark contrast between the island’s past and present. While some view Mykonos as a "supermarket" or "the Wall Street of Greece," Krikris and others still see it as "a special place," one where life continues despite the changes.
The making of "Super Paradise" was a labor of love for Krikris, who spent four years traveling back and forth to Mykonos, accumulating over 100 hours of footage. The film is a meticulously crafted blend of interviews, Super 8 reenactments, and archival material, much of which was uncovered with the help of Canadian archival producer Judy Ruzylo. Editor Marios Kleftakis worked closely with Krikris to shape this wealth of material into a cohesive and deeply moving narrative. The result is a film that not only charts the island’s transformation but also serves as a meditation on the impact of global tourism and the loss of authenticity in the face of commercialization.
One of the most poignant themes in "Super Paradise" is the tension between freedom and excess. The film highlights how Mykonos became a refuge for those seeking liberation from the constraints of society, whether it was hippies fleeing the conformity of the 1960s or gay individuals finding a place where they could express themselves freely. Yet, this freedom was not without its challenges. The film acknowledges the darker undercurrents of the era, such as the military dictatorship in Greece and the illegal status of homosexuality elsewhere. Even as Mykonos celebrated self-expression, the world beyond its shores was grappling with oppression and conflict. The island’s golden age, as one interview subject notes, was "a beacon of hope, freedom, and self-expression" during a turbulent time.
In the end, "Super Paradise" is a bittersweet celebration of Mykonos’ past and a contemplative look at its present. While the island has lost much of its bohemian spirit, it is still a place where life goes on, where the rhythms of the past continue to echo through the streets and beaches. Krikris’ film is a testament to the enduring allure of Mykonos, a place that remains special even as it grapples with the challenges of modernity. As the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival runs from March 6 to 16, "Super Paradise" offers audiences a chance to reflect on the power of place and the passage of time, inviting us to consider what we gain and lose as the world around us changes.
