Docs confront global crises at Thessaloniki fest

The 28th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, running from March 5-15, will screen over 250 documentaries. A major highlight is the debut of "In-I In Motion," directed by and starring Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche, focusing on her collaboration with dancer Akram Khan. Binoche, also president of the European Film Academy, will engage in an open discussion with the audience.

The festival will feature a record 80 world premieres, alongside 32 international and 11 European premieres. The opening film is Ivy Meeropol's "Ask E. Jean," about E. Jean Carroll's legal battles with Donald Trump. The closing film is David Borenstein's "Mr. Nobody Against Putin."

Festival leadership explicitly addressed the current global climate, including the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and threats of escalation in Iran. They emphasized the responsibility of documentary film to explore memory, truth, and universal values like freedom and democracy.

Additional honorees include filmmaker Vouvoula Skoura, multimedia artist Bill Morrison, and producer Yorgos Papalios, each receiving an honorary Golden Alexander. The festival also celebrates Greek cinema with 57 films featured across various sections, including competitions for International, Newcomers, Film Forward, and Immersive films.

The festival's Agora, its developmental branch, will host forums and labs for emerging filmmakers. It will also feature a collaboration with the European Film Academy for a Think Tank and welcome producers from the Basque Country. Films will be available both in-person and online via the TiDF platform.