BBB team goes to the 8th NIFF
“Whether attending the NIFF for the 1st or the 8th time, you can always experience something new”. Members of Balkans Beyond Borders team were there as partners to NIFF enjoying every moment of the festival. There were shorts that inspired us, talented young filmmakers that moved us and images that teased our senses.
Nowadays, Naoussa International Film Festival is a model event, as far as creating development through culture is concerned. The festival, by applying a pioneer model of development, based on innovation and cultural activity, enhances the development of the region and turns culture into a tool for development, thus contributing to social education and welfare. We, in BBB share a common philosophy and promote NIFF by all means.
As visitors in NIFF what we can say with certainty is that NIFF is all about experiencing. After all, NIFF is one of the most vivid film festivals in Greece. Beyond films, there is so much to enjoy during NIFF. This year the festival gave the opportunity to the participants and visitors to learn about the tradition of the region, taste local wines and have a gastronomic experience.
Also, the visitors and participants had the chance to join in debates or seminars, meet and talk with filmmakers and short film industry fans and most of all become part of a unique atmosphere. The volunteers of the Festival gave an added value to the whole atmosphere and the successful organization. The volunteers along with the Festival’s organizers give the best sample of how cooperation and having a vision can always end with the best results.
Regarding the Closing Ceremony and the Awards, the prize for the “Best Short Film” was given to the film of Rungano Nyomi (co production from Zambia and UK) MWANSA THE GREAT. The 2nd Best Short Film went to the film STANKA GOES HOME by Maya Vitkova from Bulgaria and the 3rd Best Short Film to THE CAGE by Andrian Sitaru from Romania. The POND by Dimitris Argiriou, a film that participated at Balkans Beyond Borders Short Film Festival 2011 as well, was awarded with the “Best Movie from Mobile Phone” prize. We are really grateful for being there and enjoy this unique moment with the winner.
