Winning 'Best Greek AI Film' at Larissa Lumina Festival
It’s with immense pride and joy that I share a monumental achievement from the recent International Film Festival of Larissa, which marked a historic moment as Greece’s first-ever AI Film Festival—Larissa Lumina. This groundbreaking event not only spotlighted Larissa but also unified creative minds from across the globe, featuring participants from 66 countries with over 200 entries. This festival has set a new benchmark in the fusion of art and technology, pioneering a platform for filmmakers who are embracing the future of cinema through artificial intelligence.
A special shoutout to Divaynne Sdralli, the visionary head of the festival, whose dedication and effort made this innovative event possible. Under her leadership, Larissa Lumina has opened new horizons for filmmakers to explore and express through AI, setting the stage for future artistic endeavors worldwide.
Amidst such incredible talent, I was honored not only to have my film, “Feels surREAL,” screened at JOIST but also to receive the award for “Best Greek AI Film.” This award recognizes the best AI-generated short film created by a Greek filmmaker, and receiving it was truly an unforgettable moment. My film delves into the often invisible aspects of mental health disorders, offering a surrealistic glimpse into the inner struggles that are frequently hidden from view. With “Feels surREAL,” I aimed to transcend traditional storytelling by utilizing AI to highlight significant social issues, demonstrating how technology can amplify our understanding and empathy towards real-world problems.
As part of this honor, I received a premium one-year subscription to AVID’s Media Composer. AVID is renowned for its powerful tools that are widely used in the film and television industry to create compelling narratives and high-quality productions. This software will undoubtedly enhance my ability to produce even more intricate and refined films.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the festival judges—Asad Ayub, Kostis Gardikis, Amol Bhagat, Andreas Chalaris, Vasilisa Niles, and Michael Tippet—for this esteemed recognition. Each of you has contributed to making the creative landscape a more inclusive and innovative space.
Special thanks are also due to Martha Vartzias, whose unwavering support made the entire experience delightful—from the warm hospitality to the momentous award reception.
Behind the Scenes of “Feels surREAL”
The creation of “Feels surREAL” involved an array of AI tools that each played a pivotal role in bringing my vision to life. These included: MidJourney, Pika Labs, Kling AI and Runway, Suno AI, CapCut
This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a beacon for the Greek creative community, signaling the promising intersection of AI and artistic expression. As we stand on the cusp of this new era, I am eager to witness and participate in the burgeoning field of AI in filmmaking.
To everyone who follows my journey and supports my endeavors, thank you for your encouragement and engagement. Your enthusiasm fuels my creative passion, and together, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in art and film.
Stay creative and inspired as we venture further into this exciting fusion of technology and storytelling!