How the Thessaloniki Film Festival Is Adapting to Remain a ‘One-of-a-Kind Experience’ for Greek Audiences and an ‘Essential Actor’ for the Local Industry
variety.comChristopher Vourlias When the Thessaloniki Intl. Film Festival kicks off its 64th edition on Nov. 2, the organizers will unveil a host of changes while renewing their commitment to serving audiences at one of Europe’s longest-running film events — all at a time of almost unprecedented uncertainty over the future of cinema and even the very purpose of festivals themselves.
With a sister documentary festival held each March and a year-round program of workshops, screenings, special events and other education and outreach initiatives, Thessaloniki has established itself as a hub to “exchange ideas, train, reflect and celebrate cinema with the public,” says festival general director Elise Jalladeau.
It’s also uniquely positioned to adapt to a rapidly changing industry. “We operate in an ecosystem that has changed radically over the past five years and the pace is accelerating,” says Jalladeau, calling the challenges ahead “immense, but also very motivating.” Still, Thessaloniki remains committed to cinema “as a one-of-a-kind experience,” and the festival head says it’s determined to continue its role as “an essential actor in the community, a place for dialogue and a reference point for the entire community.” The curtain rises on this year’s festival Nov.
2 with Tràn Anh Hùng’s “The Pot au Feu” (retitled “The Taste of Things” ahead of its U.S. release), the Cannes best director prize winner that stars Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel as a famous chef and his personal cook and lover whose lush, gastronomy-centered romance unspools in a French château in the late-19th century.
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