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To mark the 15th edition of the Athens International Digital Film Festival (AIDFF), journalist Dimitrios Kannavos sits down with Festival Director Christos N. Karakasis for an exclusive interview exploring the festival's journey, its international vision, and the future of digital filmmaking.
Interview with Christos N.
Karakasis
Artistic Director of the
Athens International Digital Film Festival (AIDFF)
Dimitrios Kannavos : As the Artistic Director
of the Athens International Digital Film Festival (AIDFF), what is your vision
for the festival and how do you see its place on the international film map?
Christos N. Karakasis : From the
very beginning, my vision was to establish an international festival in Athens
dedicated to independent cinema, emerging forms of audiovisual storytelling,
and creative dialogue among filmmakers from different cultures. AIDFF is not
simply a venue for screening films; it is a meeting point where ideas, artistic
perspectives, and cultural diversity come together.
Over the
past fifteen years, the festival has built a strong international presence,
welcoming filmmakers from more than one hundred countries. Our goal is to
continue expanding the festival's international reach while establishing Athens
as an important destination for contemporary digital and independent cinema.
Dimitrios Kannavos :What are the main criteria
for selecting films, and what qualities do you look for in emerging filmmakers?
Christos N. Karakasis : Technical
excellence is important, but it is never the only criterion. What matters most
to us is authenticity, a distinctive cinematic voice, and the ability to tell a
meaningful story.
We seek
films that dare to experiment, challenge conventions, and offer fresh
perspectives. Cinema is first and foremost an art form, and we value filmmakers
who have something genuine to express and who are willing to explore new
creative paths. Artistic integrity, originality, and creative courage are
qualities we highly appreciate.
Dimitrios Kannavos : How important is
participation in an international film festival for an independent filmmaker,
and what opportunities can it offer?
Christos N. Karakasis : For an
independent filmmaker, participating in an international festival is often the
first major step toward international recognition. It offers the opportunity to
present a film to new audiences, connect with fellow filmmakers, producers,
distributors, programmers, and industry professionals, and develop future
collaborations.
At AIDFF,
we strive to create meaningful connections between filmmakers and the
international film community. Many films that premiered or screened at the
festival have continued their journey at other international festivals or
secured theatrical and digital distribution. That is perhaps the greatest value
a festival can offer: opening new doors for talented filmmakers.
Dimitrios Kannavos : How do you view the
evolution of the Athens International Digital Film Festival (AIDFF) since its
foundation, and what are its future goals?
Christos N. Karakasis : When we
founded the festival in 2011, digital cinema was entering a period of
significant transformation. Today, digital technologies have completely changed
the way films are produced, distributed, and experienced.
AIDFF has
evolved alongside these developments, embracing experimental cinema, video art,
hybrid storytelling, and, more recently, films exploring artificial
intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Looking
ahead, our priorities are to further strengthen the festival's international
profile, expand partnerships with festivals and cultural organizations
worldwide, develop new educational initiatives, and build an even stronger
international network connecting filmmakers, artists, industry professionals,
and audiences.
Dimitrios Kannavos : What message would you
like to share with filmmakers around the world who are considering submitting
their work to the Athens International Digital Film Festival (AIDFF)?
Christos N. Karakasis : I would
encourage every filmmaker to remain faithful to their own cinematic voice.
Cinema evolves through diversity, originality, and the courage to tell stories
in unique ways.
AIDFF is
a festival that welcomes artistic freedom, innovation, and cultural diversity.
We invite filmmakers from around the world to become part of our 15th edition
and share their work with an international audience. We believe that every film
has the potential to inspire dialogue, connect people across cultures, and
begin a new creative journey.
About the Festival
The Athens
International Digital Film Festival (AIDFF) was founded in 2011
with the vision of creating an international platform dedicated to independent
cinema, contemporary audiovisual creation, and emerging forms of digital
storytelling. Throughout its fifteen-year history, the festival has presented
thousands of films and welcomed filmmakers from more than 100
countries, establishing Athens as an important meeting point
for the global film community and a space where cinema, art, technology, and
culture converge.
Each
year, AIDFF presents a diverse international program featuring fiction films,
documentaries, animation, experimental cinema, video art, dance films, music
videos, student films, and other innovative audiovisual works. The festival
also organizes special tributes, masterclasses, educational activities,
international collaborations, panel discussions, and cultural events that
encourage artistic exchange and professional development.
The 15th
Anniversary Edition of the festival will take place in Athens
from December 3–9, 2026, continuing its mission to
support independent filmmakers, promote artistic innovation, and strengthen
international cultural dialogue through cinema.
The Athens
International Digital Film Festival (AIDFF) is supported by the
Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center – Creative Greece (EKKOMED)
and is organized by KOUINTA Organization in
collaboration with Tickets Tickets Culture Company / BlackBox
Theater Cinema.
