Kastellorizo played host to distinguished guests, including Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, and the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myrogianni, who attended the opening ceremony of the 9th Beyond Borders Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival.
Myrogianni, representing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, praised the now-renowned festival, which, for one week, transforms Kastellorizo into a hub for international audiences, Greek and foreign documentary makers, and professionals from the audiovisual and cinema industries.
“This year’s event holds special significance, as the honored country is Australia, home to one of the largest Greek diaspora communities,” Myrogianni remarked.
She highlighted the “Odysseus” Special Award, established in 2020 by the General Secretariat, which honours Greek diaspora creators who excel in audiovisual production. Myrogianni also discussed the Strategic Plan for Hellenism Abroad, 2024-2027, prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the coordination of Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Deputy Minister Giorgos Kotsiras. The plan outlines the ministry’s vision for a modern approach to engaging with the Greek diaspora.
During her visit, Myrogianni met with the Deputy Mayor for Culture in Megisti (Kastellorizo), Stratos Amygdalos, to explore future collaborative activities. She also attended the presentation of the book “My Life on Castellorizo: The Reminiscences of Renato Tingali,” organised by the municipality of Megisti.
This year, “Beyond Borders” received 763 documentary submissions from 95 countries, with its screening program featuring 37 world, international, and Greek premieres. The festival is organised by the Hellenic Foundation for Historical Studies in collaboration with Ecrans des Mondes (Paris), and supported by international organisations such as ZDF, ARTE, BBC, RAI TV, Movies that Matter, IDF Prague, PHOENIX, FIPRESCI, and more.
Under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the festival runs from 25 August to 1 September.
Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, also attended “Beyond Borders.”
In a Facebook post, the Australian Embassy in Greece emphasised the strong connection between Australia and Kastellorizo, noting that the island is the ancestral homeland for 80,000 Australians who proudly celebrate their Kastellorizian heritage.
“We are thrilled that this strong connection will expand to include new cultural links through the festival,” the post read. “This year, eight wonderful Australian films, ranging from short films to feature-length documentaries and TV episodes, will be part of the program.”
Australia is further honoured by its representation on the competition’s juries. Mitzi Goldman, CEO of Documentary Australia, serves as President of the Jury for the Main Competition Section, while Penelope McDonald, director of the award-winning “Audrey Napanangka,” is a member of the Jury for the Micro Competition Section. Additionally, the Australian Film Television and Radio School has joined the festival’s affiliated network of film schools.
The 9th Beyond Borders Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival commenced with an enthusiastic crowd. According to a press release from the organisers, visitors from Greece and abroad, along with locals and global film industry guests, gathered in the crowded Memorial Statue Square of Kastellorizo to enjoy the official opening, a moving opening film, and late-night festivities featuring beloved songs.
All speakers at the event stressed the importance of preserving human values and relationships, as well as the need for collaboration and hope, nurtured through the 7th art of cinema.
The festival’s artistic director, Irini Sarioglou, welcomed the crowd and explained that Kastellorizo was chosen as the festival’s location because it embodies the essence of Greek culture, spirit, and way of life. “Kastellorizo cares for the community and the common good, sharing without egocentrism or narcissism,” Sarioglou said.
“This sense of care is something that Beyond Borders aims to reflect, focusing on the value and cultivation of humanity.”
Sarioglou concluded by referencing Giorgos Seferis’ Nobel Prize acceptance speech in Stockholm, which spoke of the search for humanity in a world that is increasingly narrowing, where the only solution to every problem is the human being.
The Mayor of Megisti, Nikolaos Asvestis, along with Deputy Mayor Stratos Amygdalos, spoke about Kastellorizo’s historic maritime significance and its efforts to “rise from the ashes.”
Amygdalos highlighted the island’s global prestige as a significant reference point for Greece and Europe, and the responsibilities this entails for its people.
“The island offers fertile ground for hosting the major cultural event, Beyond Borders, which is enriched every year with new initiatives and activities. We look forward to its continued success,” Amygdalos said.
