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The Dream, the Vision, and the Creation Behind the MUSES Film Awards – Levadia International Film Festival
As part of the MUSES Film Awards – Levadia International Film Festival, Hellenic News of America and Hermes Expo International proudly support the festival's mission to promote Greek culture, creativity, and cinematic excellence on the global stage.
Festival Founder and Artistic Director Demetrios Katis granted an exclusive interview to our correspondent, Dimitrios Kannavos, sharing the vision behind the festival, its international mission, and its contribution to promoting both Greek and global cinema.
The MUSES Film Awards was born from the vision and passion of internationally acclaimed composer, filmmaker, journalist, and cultural ambassador Demetrios Katis, whose lifelong dedication to the arts has earned him worldwide recognition.
A professional journalist, he is a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in Brussels, a long-standing member of the Journalists' Union of Athens Daily Newspapers (ESIEA), and serves on the four-member Board of Directors of the Athanasios Botsis Foundation for Journalism.
Beyond journalism, he has established an outstanding international career in cinema and culture. He serves as Cultural Ambassador and Honorary Judge of the Tony Curtis International Film Festival in Hungary, while his feature films have received numerous international awards and distinctions.
Through the MUSES Film Awards, Demetrios Katis has succeeded in creating a new international film institution for Greece with a truly global reach—an achievement that, until now, had been associated primarily with the long-established Thessaloniki International Film Festival. From its inaugural edition, the festival attracted submissions from more than 40 countries and received international recognition across the United States, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Italy, and Africa.
Held in Livadeia, the legendary birthplace of the Muses, the festival has transformed the historic city into an international meeting point for filmmakers, where the inspiration of Ancient Greece meets the creativity of contemporary cinema.
Its cultural partnership and twinning with the Tony Curtis International Film Festival in Hungary—with Ambassador Balázs Bokor serving as an Honorary Member of the Jury and Cultural Ambassador—further demonstrates the growing international prestige and influence of the MUSES Film Awards.
The Dream, the Vision, and the Creation Behind the MUSES Film Awards – Levadia International Film Festival
Likewise, Daisy Gallagher, a distinguished American cultural representative and Global Ambassador-at-Large of the MUSES Film Awards, actively promoted the festival throughout the United States, further strengthening its international visibility.
Standing alongside Demetrios Katis are prominent figures from the Greek cultural community, including acclaimed actress and playwright Mimi Denissi, renowned filmmaker George Papavasiliou, and many other distinguished artists, filmmakers, and intellectuals who recognize the MUSES Film Awards as a genuine cultural mission—one dedicated to presenting Greece as a global center of art, inspiration, and spiritual unity.
From its very first year, the MUSES Film Awards set exceptionally high standards. Born in Greece, beneath the legendary slopes of Mount Helicon, the festival has rapidly evolved into an international cultural institution—bringing together the Muses of antiquity with the storytellers and visionaries of today.
Dimitrios Kannavos : Mr. Katis, what was the original vision that inspired you to create the MUSES Film Awards?
Demetrios Katis : The vision was born from the desire to establish an international film institution in the heart of Greece—one that would unite cultures through the universal language of cinema. Livadeia, the land of the Muses and Apollo, was the ideal place to revive the concepts of inspiration, artistic creation, and the connection between humanity and the divine.
I wanted MUSES to become more than a film festival. I envisioned it as a place of soul and belonging, where every filmmaker—from every corner of the world—would feel part of one great family united by art and spirit.
Dimitrios Kannavos : Following the success of the inaugural edition, how do you feel as the festival enters its second season?
Demetrios Katis : I feel deeply moved and profoundly grateful. The first edition exceeded every expectation: participants from dozens of countries, heartfelt stories, meaningful human connections, and genuine passion.
The second season is the natural continuation of that dream. We have learned, matured, and now move forward with greater focus, broader international outreach, and even higher standards. MUSES has now established its own identity, and that is the most rewarding feeling of all.
Dimitrios Kannavos : What makes the MUSES Film Awards stand out among international film festivals?
Demetrios Katis : MUSES is far more than a competition—it is an experience.
It brings together the spiritual heritage of Ancient Greece with contemporary international filmmaking. What truly distinguishes the festival is its commitment to building authentic relationships between filmmakers, cities, and cultures.
Rather than relying on commercial criteria, MUSES is founded on substance, integrity, artistic excellence, and respect for both people and cinema. These values form the cornerstone of everything we do.
Dimitrios Kannavos : Cinema is often described as a universal language. How does the festival contribute to cultural dialogue and diplomacy through the arts?
Demetrios Katis : Cinema is one of the most powerful instruments of cultural diplomacy.
Through MUSES, we bring together filmmakers from five continents, united by a common love for humanity and artistic expression.
Our partnership with the Tony Curtis International Film Festival in Hungary is a perfect example—two festivals, two nations, sharing one common vision.
In this way, art becomes a bridge of friendship, culture, and peace.
Dimitrios Kannavos : What was the greatest challenge during the first edition of the festival?
Demetrios Katis : Our greatest challenge was proving that an international film festival of high prestige could be created outside Athens or Thessaloniki.
It required faith, relentless work, volunteerism, teamwork, and unwavering dedication.
Despite every obstacle, the enthusiastic public response and the international recognition we received proved that passion and commitment can overcome any challenge.
Dimitrios Kannavos : The festival is hosted in Livadeia. How important is the location to the festival's identity?
Demetrios Katis : It is absolutely fundamental.
Livadeia is not merely a location—it is a symbol.
It is the city of the Muses, sacred springs, and timeless legends. Its natural beauty, unique energy, and rich mythology give the festival an almost mystical atmosphere.
Here, art is not simply presented—it breathes.
MUSES could not exist anywhere else.
Dimitrios Kannavos : How has the local community responded to hosting an international film festival?
Demetrios Katis : With warmth, enthusiasm, and pride.
The people of Livadeia embraced MUSES from the very beginning.
Local authorities, volunteers, businesses, and residents all feel that they are part of something that showcases their city on the international stage.
Their support is deeply moving and continues to inspire us every day.
Dimitrios Kannavos :How significant was the festival's international reach during its first year?
Demetrios Katis : It was remarkable.
We received submissions from more than 40 countries, including the United States, Japan, Mexico, India, several African nations, Canada, Spain, Hungary, Italy, and, of course, Greece.
Many filmmakers traveled personally to attend the festival.
MUSES demonstrated that Greece is fully capable of hosting a world-class film festival distinguished by artistic excellence and professional standards.
Dimitrios Kannavos : What are the key criteria for selecting and awarding films?
Demetrios Katis : We focus on artistic merit, originality, the depth of the message, and the sincerity of artistic expression.
We seek films that inspire thought, evoke emotion, and communicate truth.
Large budgets do not impress us—what truly matters is the filmmaker's soul.
Our international jury evaluates every work based on substance rather than trends.
Dimitrios Kannavos : Cinema often serves as a platform for social awareness. Does MUSES welcome films with social or humanitarian messages?
Demetrios Katis : Absolutely—and this is one of our core principles.
MUSES actively encourages filmmakers who address issues such as social justice, human rights, environmental protection, and mental health.
Art has a responsibility to speak.
MUSES exists to ensure that those voices are heard.
Dimitrios Kannavos : What do you hope first-time participants gain from the festival?
Demetrios Katis : I hope they leave feeling inspired and recognized.
I want every emerging filmmaker and screenwriter to feel that their work matters—that there is an audience willing to listen, appreciate, and respect their artistic vision.
If they leave Livadeia with greater confidence, renewed passion, and deeper love for their craft, then we have fulfilled our mission.
Dimitrios Kannavos : The festival places great emphasis on creativity and excellence. How do you cultivate that spirit?
Demetrios Katis : Through consistency and example.
The entire MUSES team works with a spirit of collaboration, inspiration, and dedication to excellence.
Our masterclasses, workshops, and cultural activities reflect these same values.
We promote excellence not as a status symbol, but as a way of life.
Dimitrios Kannavos : What are your future plans for the MUSES Film Awards? Do you envision partnerships with other festivals and international organizations?
Demetrios Katis : MUSES has already established a growing network of collaborations with international festivals, including the Tony Curtis International Film Festival in Hungary.
In the near future, we plan to expand our partnerships to the United States, Italy, and Cyprus.
Our vision is to build a cultural bridge connecting Europe, America, and Asia, providing Greek filmmakers with a strong international platform for visibility, networking, and support.
Dimitrios Kannavos : How important is the support of volunteers, sponsors, and partners to the festival's continued growth?
Demetrios Katis : They are the very heart of the festival.
Without them, none of this would be possible.
Our volunteers are its soul, our sponsors represent faith in our vision, and our partners are our extended family.
Together, we share one common mission: to promote Greek culture through the universal language of art.
This spirit of unity is our greatest strength.
Dimitrios Kannavos : What message would you like to send to filmmakers and audiences who continue to support the festival?
Demetrios Katis : Keep dreaming.
Keep daring.
Keep creating.
The world needs light. It needs stories that inspire and art that heals.
MUSES is here to thank every filmmaker, every volunteer, every supporter, and every member of the audience.
And above all, to remind the world that the Muses never disappeared—they simply changed their form, and today, they speak through cinema.