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  • Athens named World Book Capital 2018

    Athens named World Book Capital 2018

    Athens has been named World Book Capital 2018 by the director general of UNESCO, Irina Bokova.

    The Greek capital was chosen on the recommendation of an advisory committee, comprising representatives of the IPA, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), and UNESCO, based on the “outstanding quality” of its programme of activities for the book trade in Greece.

    Every year, the city named World Book Capital commits to promote books and reading and to implement a programme of activities for one year, starting on World Book and Copyright Day, on 23rd April. The purpose of 2018’s initiative is to make books and reading accessible to the whole population, including to migrants and refugees.

    Athens’ “proven expertise in organising international events” was also a factor, alongside its “cultural infrastructure”, in selection. During its tenure as World Book Capital it will organise meetings with authors, translators and illustrators, as well as concerts, themed exhibitions, poetry readings and workshops for publishing professionals.

    IPA president Richard Charkin said: “Ever since my predecessor, Pere Vicens, proposed the idea for World Book Capital in 1996, it has been about celebrating and promoting literacy and reading culture. Our warmest congratulations go to Athens, which put in a fantastic bid this year. This ancient city naturally corresponds with the values of the World Book Capital initiative, and I am sure will deliver an outstanding programme in 2018.”

    The European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) pulled out of its role on the committee in June, after 13 years supporting WBC, due to concerns for freedom of speech when Chinese city Shenzhen and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates were put forward as potential winners. EIBF’s director, Françoise Dubruille, said at the time: “For EIBF, the absence of freedom of expression is ipso facto an eliminatory criterion in any WBC application and there is no need to refer to any other form of assessment.”

    Athens is the 18th city to be named World Book Capital, after Madrid (2001); Alexandria (2002); New Delhi (2003); Antwerp (2004); Montreal (2005); Turin (2006); Bogota (2007); Amsterdam (2008); Beirut (2009); Ljubljana (2010); Buenos Aires (2011); Yerevan (2012); Bangkok (2013); Port Harcourt (2014); Incheon (2015); Wroclaw (2016); and Conakry (2017).

    (www.thebookseller.com)

  • Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2017: Youthful, Alternative, Political

    Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2017: Youthful, Alternative, Political

    Since its inception in 1955 the “Athens and Epidaurus Festival” was staged at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in an attempt to bridge modern recollections of antiquity with contemporary artistic output. In recent years the Festival forged a modern identity opening up to cutting-edge international productions, and promoting young Greek artists who have something to say to contemporary audiences.

    Throughout this summer, the Festival will present a rich programme of open-air theatre, ancient drama, opera, classical music, concerts and dance performances at landmark locations in Athens and Epidaurus. Its new identity – a festival that is inclusive, that reflects its host city, and that brings the livelier aspects of society back into play is being enhanced this year launching a series of new sections, collaborations, and openings, which according to the Festival’s artistic director, Vangelis Theodoropoulos will “hopefully revitalize the Greek performing scene and over time bear fruit and become established parts of the Festival,” adding that its intention is to be “able to give a first taste of the direction in which we are interested, an initial positioning -youthful, alternative and at the same time political.”

    This year will see the launch of the Epidaurus Lyceum, an international summer school of ancient Greek drama intended for drama school students and young actors from all over the world. The 2017 Epidaurus performances and the courses on offer at the Epidaurus Lyceum, as well as other relevant activities will fall under a common theme. With the migrant and refugee crisis continuously testing and trying the identity of Western societies, this year’s umbrella title for all Epidaurus and Lyceum productions is “The Arrival of the Stranger” as reflected in ancient texts and in the interplay of ancient drama and the historical present.

    This year will also see the launch of another important new section of the Festival: “Opening to the City”. Encompassing performances and events at non-theatrical spaces, site-specific, poetic and musical performances, and activist interventions in dodgy or run-down areas of the city, this section seeks to counteract the increasingly withdrawn and introspective stance of society, responding to the fear of diversity, and taking a stand against parochial, insular, and racist attitudes at large.

    The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus will feature works by both accomplished and emerging Greek directors. The Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus will host productions with a more alternative take on ancient drama, including a Festival d’Avignon production, directed by Olivier Py. The stages of Peiraios 260 will be dedicated, as usual, to contemporary theatre and dance productions. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus will host principally musical productions, including operas, orchestras, and concerts of classical, modern Byzantine, folk, and contemporary Greek music.

    In an outgoing spirit that looks to connect the Athens and Epidaurus Festival with other institutional actors, the Festival also renewed its cooperation with the Athens International Film Festival “Opening Nights”, for the purposes of the Athens Open Air Film Festival. This year, with the support of the British Council, the Athens Open Air Film Festival has prepared a tribute to mystery, horror and dark surprises to turn your summer night on their heads! Gothic horror and romance stories based on the darkest fears and desires will be the cinematic myths featured in «British Gothic».

    As for the international program, it will include a multifaceted tribute to the world-famous Volksbühne, featuring three major productions, among which a performance by its outgoing artistic director, Frank Castorf, who ran the historic Berlin theatre for 25 years. 

    The Epidaurus programme will come to an end with a closing celebration at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus on Saturday 19 August, featuring music and dances from the Peloponnese region.

    (www.greeknewsagenda.gr)

  • Athens, Lesvos mayors on list for world title

    Athens, Lesvos mayors on list for world title

    ΠολιτικήTheir efforts to humanely address the refugee crisis have put Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis (photo) and Lesvos Mayor Spyros Galinos on a short list of 15 local authority leaders from around the world contending for the title of World Mayor 2016.
    The 15 finalists have been proposed for their response to the European refugee crisis and include mayors from Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Germany, the USA, Canada as well as Syria and Turkey. The winner is to be announced at the end of the year.
    Those interested in influencing the verdict can participate in an online vote online at www.worldmayor.com/contest_2016/world-mayor-shortlist-2016.html.
    Meanwhile, the coast guard was put on alert Wednesday after a smuggling boat foundered off the coast of Thassos in the northern Aegean, leading to four people drowning while another 15 were rescued.
    The drownings came after a period of relative calm, with arrivals from neighboring Turkey sharply reduced since March, when Ankara signed a deal with the European Union to crack down on human smuggling in the Aegean.
    However, there is still concern about growing tensions at overcrowded reception centers on the Aegean islands.

    (www.ekathimerini.com)

  • Stavros Niarchos Foundation: 20 years of grantmaking activity

    Stavros Niarchos Foundation: 20 years of grantmaking activity

    ΠολιτισμόςThe Stavros Niarchos Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, fulfilling the original purpose of its establishment: to contribute, with all the means at its disposal, to the improvement of the lives of those less privileged and to support organizations and projects that are expected to achieve a broad, lasting and positive impact for society at large. 

    The SNF’s philanthropic activity, to date, has spread across 111 countries, with particular emphasis on Greece which—among other grants and programs—is where some of the most important initiatives of the Foundation are being developed, such as the development of the SNFCC, alongside Initiatives Against the Greek Crisis and for Recharging the Youth.

    Since the commencement of its activities in 1996, to date, the SNF has made grant commitments of $1.9 billion (€1.56 billion), through 3,646 grants to nonprofit organizations across the world, in four main areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Sports, and Social Welfare. 

    Specifically, during the last 20 years, the SNF has committed the following, in total:

    ▪ Arts & Culture: 752 grants (totaling €387 million), with the key strategic objective of broadening public access to the Arts, promoting Greek art and culture worldwide, encouraging creative partnerships between institutions, organizations and artists on a national and global level, as well as strengthening the social role of cultural organizations.

    ▪ Education: 1,107 grants (totaling €484 million), supporting the implementation of innovative educational programs, the establishment of new, innovative education centers in Greece and abroad, and the creation of significant capacity building opportunities for the benefit of numerous social groups.

    ▪ Health & Sports: 672 grants (totaling €287 million), which aim to improve the quality of life of society as a whole, while simultaneously helping to widen accessibility to comprehensive health care services for all.

    ▪ Social Welfare: 1,115 grants (totaling €409 million), mainly focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable groups (children, the elderly, the homeless, refugees, the disabled, etc.). 

    Initiatives: Against the Greek Crisis & Recharging the Youth

    In addition to its regular grant-making activities, and in order to contribute towards the efforts to address the multifaceted effects of the crisis on the Greek society, the Foundation, beginning in 2012, launched initiatives totaling €300 million, with the aim of providing immediate relief to those mostly affected by the crisis, as well as creating new opportunities and better employment prospects for the younger generation, which has been severely impacted by one of the highest percentages of youth unemployment in Europe. 

    As part of the Grants against the Greek Crisis, the SNF has made 494 grants, totaling €164 million, in order to address the effects of the crisis. The purpose of this initiative is twofold: through the supported programs, it aims, on the one hand, to contribute to the immediate relief of those impacted more severely from the crisis and, on the other hand, to create those necessary conditions which will ensure long-term benefits. In this context, a series of grants were designed, based on a strategic and long-term perspective. The majority of grants supported the development, adaptation and expansion of existing social programs and the operation of grantee organizations. Additional grants were made for the purchasing of equipment or vehicles, as well as the construction and renovation of social structures.

    As part of the Recharging the Youth Initiative, the SNF has made 57 grants, totaling €38 million, focusing on programs aimed at the development of entrepreneurship, the creation of skills, as well as education, while it continues to develop and assess programs—in collaboration with various local and international partners—which have the potential to provide a boost in youth employment.

    Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

    In addition to the SNF’s 3,646 grants and the special initiatives, the Foundation’s philanthropic activity is complemented by the creation of a new landmark for the city of Athens: the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). The SNFCC is the Foundation’s largest single gift, with a total budget of €617 million, and it has already recorded some significant successes, even before its official delivery to the Greek State, which will be the project’s legal owner. 

    ▪ The SNFCC’s construction was completed within 4 years, adhering, without any major deviations, to the original project timetable, despite the project’s scope and complexity.

    ▪ Designed by the Renzo Pianο Building Workshop, the SNFCC is one of the few projects worldwide, which houses two national cultural and educational institutions, namely the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece, complementing them with the Stavros Niarchos Park, with a total surface area of 210,000 m², which connects the city center with the urban waterfront.

    ▪ According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, during the project’s construction, the SNFCC added €1.1 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (0.2% of GDP per year), contributing €57 million in tax revenues. According to the same study, the construction of the SNFCC created more than 13,000 jobs, in total.

    ▪ During the project’s implementation, best practices were used in terms of construction, alongside a mix of traditional and innovative materials, which ensured the SNFCC’s innovation and functionality. The SNFCC earned the prestigious Platinum LEED certification, the highest possible rating for environmentally conscious and sustainable buildings.

    ▪ Beginning in mid-August of 2016, when the project opened its doors to the public through a series of free events, funded exclusively by the SNF, the SNFCC welcomes on a weekly basis more than 35,000 visitors.

    Andreas Dracopoulos, Co-President of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, stated: “At a first glance, the 20-year course of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation may reflect the innumerable needs of society worldwide. For us, however, it also reflects people’s possibilities and prospects, for which we should all strive more. We feel proud that after 20 years of grant making activity, we have managed to evolve and strengthen our initiatives, while at the same time remain flexible to respond to all kinds of challenges, from the greatest ones, such as the creation of the SNFCC, to supporting a small organization that demonstrates vision and commitment. We hope to continue in the same way in the coming years, helping to make our world a better place, to the best of our abilities.”

    (www.snf.org)

  • UNESCO names Athens World Book Capital for 2018

    UNESCO names Athens World Book Capital for 2018

    ΠολιτισμόςThe city of Athens has been announced from UNESCO as the World Book Capital for 2018. The proposed program includes meetings with writers, translators and illustrators, concerts, thematic exhibitions, poetry readings and workshops for publishing professionals. The aim of the program is to make books accessible to the city’s entire population, including migrants and refugees. Members of the Advisory Committee also praised Athens’ cultural infrastructure and its expertise in organizing international events.
    Athens is the 18th city to become World Book Capital. It was preceded by Madrid (2001), Alexandria (2002), New Delhi (2003), Antwerp (2004), Montreal (2005), Turin (2006), Bogota (2007), Amsterdam (2008), Beirut (2009), Ljubljana (2010), Buenos Aires (2011), Yerevan (2012), Bangkok (2013), Port Harcourt (2014), Incheon (2015), Wroclaw (2016) and Conakry (2017).

    (en.protothema.gr)

  • First-ever legal bid for return of Elgin Marbles to Greece thrown out by European Court of Human Rights

    First-ever legal bid for return of Elgin Marbles to Greece thrown out by European Court of Human Rights

    Μάρμαρα ΠαρθενώναThe first-ever legal bid to force the UK to return the Elgin Marbles to Greece has been thrown out by the European Court of Human Rights.

    The court ruled that because the alleged theft of the sculptures from the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple took place more than 150 years before the UK signed up to the human rights convention, it did not have the power to consider the lawsuit.

    Campaigners for the return of the sculptures pointed out that the court had not made a ruling on the “merits of the case”.

    The marbles were taken from the temple by the Earl of Elgin in the 1800s and he then sold them to the British Government in 1816 after running into financial difficulties.

    At the time, Greece was occupied by the Ottoman Empire. Lord Elgin obtained a “firman”, a legal document, that apparently allowed him to take some stones but some believe it did not entitle him to cut sculptures from the building.

    The marbles are regarded as some of the finest sculptures ever created and the Parthenon, built by the democratic Athenians after victory over the Persian Empire, is arguably the most important monument in Europe.

    The Greek Government was given extensive legal advice from lawyers Amal Clooney and Geoffrey Robertson, but appears to have decided against taking Britain to court.

    Instead, the case against the UK was brought by the Athenians’ Association, a cultural group, after the British Government refused an offer last year by Unesco to mediate between Greece and Britain.

    The British Government and the British Museum, where about half the surviving Parthenon sculptures are on display, insist the Earl of Elgin acquired them legally.

    In its ruling, which was sent to the Athenian Association last month, the European court said: “The Court notes that the marbles were removed from Greece in the early 19th century. 

    “In order to bring the matter within the temporal jurisdiction of the Court, the applicant has sought to rely on the refusal of the United Kingdom to enter into mediation with Greece concerning the return of the marbles and the continuing refusal to return the marbles. 

    “However, it is clear from the nature of the applicant’s complaints that its underlying grievance is the allegedly unlawful removal of the marbles from Greece. The removal having occurred some 150 years before the Convention was drafted and ratified by the respondent state, the applicant’s complaints would appear to be inadmissible.”

    The judges also said the Athenians’ Association did not have “any right … to have the marbles returned to Greece”.

    The Athenians’ Association’s legal representative, Vassilis Sotiropoulos, said the case was a “first step”.

    He claimed the judgement could actually help the Greek Government take legal action in the future.

    “Globally, this first statement of the European Court, historically the first court judgement, on the subject of the Parthenon Marbles highlights the points that Greece should focus on with particular attention in her recourse against the United Kingdom,” Mr Sotiropoulos said.

    “This decision leaves open the possibility of a recourse submitted by Greece being proclaimed admissible, thus also indirectly offering precious expertise on how to handle the case henceforth.”

    Andrew George, of the British Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, said the ruling did not affect the arguments in favour of sending the sculptures back.

    “We’ve learned nothing from this. There’s been no test of the merits of the case, just that this is not the arena to resolve the justice or otherwise of the case,” he said.

    “The UK Parliament effectively state-sanctioned the improper acquisition of the sculptures exactly 200 years ago this year. 

    “But this doesn’t make it a cause of pride for the British, nor does it make the act nor their continued retention either ethical or just.”

    On 10 July, a cross-party group of MPs launched a Bill to return the sculptures to Athens, where the Acropolis Museum was built specifically to house them within sight of the Parthenon.

    The British Museum argues that it “tells the story of cultural achievement throughout the world, from the dawn of human history over two million years ago until the present day”.

    “The Parthenon Sculptures are a vital element in this interconnected world collection. They are a part of the world’s shared heritage and transcend political boundaries,” it says.

    “The Acropolis Museum allows the Parthenon sculptures that are in Athens (approximately half of what survive from antiquity) to be appreciated against the backdrop of ancient Greek and Athenian history. The Parthenon sculptures in London are an important representation of ancient Athenian civilisation in the context of world history.”

    (www.independent.co.uk)

  • Planning a trip to Athens? Just use your phone and start booking!

    Planning a trip to Athens? Just use your phone and start booking!

    ΕλλάδαFor all of you planning to visit the city of democracy, theatre, philosophy, gastronomy and endless fun, the process just got easier than ever! In just 3 steps and with the use of your mobile phone, your journey to Athens is settled via an innovative new platform. Trip2Athens.com is an online tool that allows visitors to plan their journey to the Greek capital from the moment of their departure all the way to their return without paying any commission fees! The platform is designed both for consumers and businesses and the project is backed by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and financed through European funds by the city of Athens.

    This new and fun platform allows visitors from all over the world to be in complete charge of their journey, by offering them endless possibilities in selecting their means of transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and entertaining. It is based in two pillars: multilingualism (its content is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) and accuracy of information, but its biggest strength (especially for professionals who want to register with the platform) lies in the use of the same technology tools that big international hotel chains are using today for their bookings. With a database of 470 hotels and more than 2000 tourist businesses, this user friendly tool has endless things to offer.

    For example, as soon as one decides to organize a trip to Athens, the platform offers suggestions for which archaeological walks to follow, combined with visits to landmark sites, activities and shopping tripsto the famous commercial streets of the city.  Obviously the section dedicated to gastronomy and wine tasting is more than indulging and it is worth mentioning that all foodies will be more than satisfied to use the up-to-date information (there are search, filter and sort tools available to make the experience even more fun and simple) in order to discover the best places to taste traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine or the work of awarded chefs, but also visit some of the most famous wine bars and beer houses of the city! The entertainment continues with a list that includes bars, clubs and music halls for all tastes and preferences, but it would not be complete without the section uncovering the emerging and internationally acclaimed scene of street food in the Greek capital!

    Back to technology and the fun continues. Visitors are offered the possibility to create a virtual diary of their journey to Athens, share it with friends via social networks and upload it on their mobiles through available apps so that all the information about the trip can be accessed and used at any time even when offline.

    All entrepreneurs and businesses related to tourism can join the platform at any time and without any cost. Besides hoteliers, any tourism business entrepreneurs can collaborate with the platform, free of charge, by simply logging in and creating a profile that allows them to upload up-to-date content regarding their business or seasonal offers and discount coupons, for which potential visitors will be immediately informed.  Contrary to other platforms, Trip2Athens.com allows for bookings to be made directly without charging commission. The project is set to continue its expansions to the rest of Greece and soon include all its tourism regions to its database. 

    (www.greeknewsagenda.gr)

  • Athens Cathedral Reopens After 7-Year Restoration

    Athens Cathedral Reopens After 7-Year Restoration

    Μητρόπολη ΑθηνώνAn official ceremony took place on Saturday evening at the Athens Cathedral to celebrate its reopening after seven years of restoration.

    The reopening ceremony was attended, among other officials, by the President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Minister of Education, Research and Religious Affairs Nikos Filis and Supreme Court President Vassiliki Thanou, who saw the interior of the church and attended the great vespers by Hieronymus Archbishop of Athens.

    The ceremony started at 7 p.m. with the holy water of the temple, the brief thanksgiving prayer and Vespers. Representatives of all political parties were present along with Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis. Several metropolitan bishops of the Church of Greece, representatives of the patriarchates of Alexandria and Jerusalem and faithful from all the parishes of Athens.

    The first Mass in the renovated church took place on Sunday morning by Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and all of Greece with the participation of hierarchs of the Holy Synod.

    The Cathedral of the Annunciation, the Metropolis as it is generally known, was built in the 1842 – 1862 period and the name of the street it stands on – starting at Syntagma Square and ending in Monastiraki – was given after it. The Athens Cathedral suffered serious damages from the 1981 and 1999 earthquakes, and has remained surrounded by scaffolds for 17 years. There was an effort to have it fully restored by the 2004 Olympics but the project did not materialize on time.

    A major restoration project started in 2010 for the static support of the building and maintenance . In addition, there was renovation of the surrounding square and the sidewalk on Mitropoleos Street.

    (greece.greekreporter.com)

  • Athens Open Air Film Festival 2016

    Athens Open Air Film Festival 2016

    ΠολιτισμόςΟπως κάθε χρόνο την τελευταία πενταετία, μαζί με το καλοκαίρι στην Αθήνα έρχεται και το Athens Open Air Film Festival, με δωρεάν προβολές ταινιών σε θερινά σινεμά και εξωτερικούς χώρους της πόλης.

    Φέτος το πρόγραμμα περιλαμβάνει από μιούζικαλ μέχρι γουέστερν και από κλασικές ταινίες τρόμου μέχρι κλασικά αριστουργήματα, συν cult ταινίες που αξίζει να ανακαλύψετε και ένα αφιέρωμα στις εναλλακτικές κινηματογραφικές μεταφορές έργων του Γουίλιαμ Σαίξπηρ από σπουδαίους σκηνοθέτες και ακόμη πιο σπουδαίους ερμηνευτές, με αφορμή την επέτειο των 400 χρόνων από το θάνατό του.

    Οι προβολές του Athens Open Air Film Festival πραγματοποιούνται με την ευγενική υποστήριξη του ΕΟΤ και συνδιοργανωτής της μεγαλύτερης υπαίθριας κινηματογραφικής γιορτής στην πόλη είναι ο Οργανισμός Πολιτισμού, Αθλητισμού & Νεολαίας του Δήμου Αθηναίων.

    Στην μεγάλη κινηματογραφική γιορτή συμμετέχει και η Fischer, η μπίρα που αγαπάει τον καλό κινηματογράφο και συμπληρώνει ιδανικά τις ξεχωριστές στιγμές του 6ου Athens Open Air Film Festival, δροσίζοντας απολαυστικά και κερνώντας το κοινό των προβολών.

    ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ

    Τρίτη 21 Ιουνίου / Εορτασμός της Ευρωπαϊκής Γιορτής Μουσικής / «Purple Rain» (1984) του Aλμπερτ Μαγκνόλι / Πλατεία Αυδή (Λεωνίδου 35, Αθήνα)

    H σχεδόν αυτοβιογραφική ταινία που εκτόξευσε το αστέρι του Prince στην κορυφή, αποτέλεσε μια από τις μεγαλύτερες εισπρακτικές επιτυχίες στα ταμεία της δεκαετίας του ’80 και γέννησε ένα από τα κορυφαία σάουντρακ όλων των εποχών.

    Παρασκευή 24 Ιουνίου / Αφιέρωμα «Shakespeare in the City» / «Ριχάρδος o 3ος» (Richard III, 1995) του Ρίτσαρντ Λονκρέιν / Aλσος Μπαρουτάδικο (Ιερά Οδός 290, Αιγάλεω)

    Ο Iαν ΜακΚέλεν παραδίδει μαθήματα υποκριτικής στην εκμοντερνισμένη, εντυπωσιακή σκηνογραφικά και πιο ανορθόδοξη διασκευή του βίαιου σαιξπηρικού έργου.

    Τρίτη 28 Ιουνίου / Επίσημη Πρεμιέρα (είσοδος μόνο με προσκλήσεις και δελτία εισόδου) / «West Side Story» (1961) των Τζερόμ Ρόμπινς και Ρόμπερτ Γουάιζ / Ναός Ολυμπίου Διός (είσοδος από Λεωφ. Βασιλίσσης Όλγας & από Λεωφ. Αμαλίας για ΑμεΑ)

    Ο μουσικοχορευτικός θρίαμβος των 10 Όσκαρ με τις αξέχαστες μελωδίες του Λέοναρντ Μπέρνσταϊν και το ιδιοφυές λιμπρέτο του Στίβεν Σόντχαϊμ, σε μία επετειακή προβολή 55 χρόνων από την πρώτη κυκλοφορία του ριζοσπαστικού αυτού φιλμ.

    Παρασκευή 1 Ιουλίου / «The Innocents» (1961) του Τζακ Κλέιτον / Aλσος Πετραλώνων (εντός γηπέδου μπάσκετ, Πετράλωνα)

    Ο Τζακ Κλέιτον διασκευάζει εκπληκτικά το «Στρίψιμο της Βίδας» του Χένρι Τζέιμς σε ένα αριστούργημα ατμόσφαιρας και υποβολής, που το Περιοδικό ΣΙΝΕΜΑ αναγόρευσε σε καλύτερη ταινία τρόμου όλων των εποχών.

    Τρίτη 5 Ιουλίου / «Αγκίρε, η Μάστιγα του Θεού» (Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes, 1972) του Βέρνερ Χέρτζογκ / Ανοιχτό Θέατρο Κολωνού (Λόφος Ιππείου Κολωνού, Αθήνα)

    Μία εξερευνητική αποστολή στον Αμαζόνιο καταλήγει σε μια συγκλονιστική πραγματεία πάνω στην τρέλα του μεγαλείου η οποία δονείται από τη δαιμονική, παροξυσμική παρουσία του Κλάους Κίνσκι. Το αδιαφιλονίκητο καλλιτεχνικό αποκορύφωμα του Βέρνερ Χέρτζογκ.

    Πέμπτη 7 Ιουλίου / Aφιέρωμα «Shakespeare in the City» / «Μάκβεθ» (The Tragedy of Macbeth, 1971) του Ρόμαν Πολάνσκι / Πειραιώς 260 (Πειραιώς 260, Άγιος Ιωάννης Ρέντης)

    Ο Πολάνσκι παρουσιάζει μια εφιαλτική εκδοχή της περίφημης σεξπηρικής τραγωδίας πάνω στις αιματηρές συνέπειες του ασίγαστου πόθου για εξουσία, με φόντο το τραχύ τοπίο της βόρειας Ουαλίας.

    Παρασκευή 8 Ιουλίου / «Η Απειλή» (The Thing, 1982) του Τζον Κάρπεντερ / Θέατρο Αττικού Αλσους (Περιφερειακός Γαλατσίου, είσοδος από Καρπενησιώτη)

    Σε μια από τις πιο κλασικές πλέον δημιουργίες του sci-fi είδους, ο σκηνοθέτης του «Halloween» προσκαλεί σε μία μαζική άσκηση φαντασίας, αγωνίας και ανείπωτης φρίκης που θα σας παγώσει το αίμα.

    Δευτέρα 11 Ιουλίου / «Φιλιά εις τα Παιδιά» (Children in Hiding, 2011) του Βασίλη Λουλέ / Πεζόδρομος Ερμού (Ερμού 150, απέναντι από την είσοδο του Μουσείου Κεραμεικού)

    Πέντε ηλικιωμένοι Ελληνοεβραίοι αφηγούνται στον φακό τις δοκιμασίες τους, ως παιδιά, από την Ελλάδα της γερμανικής κατοχής. Ο Βασίλης Λουλές ανασύρει μνήμες από την εισβολή των ναζί, την απεγνωσμένη φυγή, τη σωτηρία των παιδιών σε φιλόξενα σπίτια άλλων Ελλήνων και το βάρος της προσωπικής απώλειας σε ένα από τα πιο συγκινητικά ελληνικά ντοκιμαντέρ των τελευταίων χρόνων. Η ταινία θα προβληθεί στις 11 Ιουλίου, την ημέρα που ξεκίνησε ο επίσημος μαζικός διωγμός των Εβραίων της Θεσσαλονίκης το 1942, στην πλατεία Ελευθερίας. Έχει μείνει στην ιστορία ως το «Μαύρο Σάββατο».

    Τετάρτη 13 Ιουλίου / Στο πλαίσιο του Φεστιβάλ Αθηνών & Επιδαύρου και του αφιερώματος «Shakespeare in the City» / «Η Τρικυμία» (The Tempest, 1979) του Ντέρεκ Τζάρμαν / Πειραιώς 260 (Πειραιώς 260, Άγιος Ιωάννης Ρέντης)

    Ο Τζάρμαν αναμετριέται με το κύκνειο άσμα του Σαίξπηρ και βάζει την αιρετική υπογραφή του σε μία από τις πιο γοητευτικά παράδοξες μεταφορές έργου του Βρετανού βάρδου στη μεγάλη οθόνη.

    Πέμπτη 14 Ιουλίου / «Ντίβα» (Diva, 1981) του Ζαν-Ζακ Μπενέξ / Σινέ Δεξαμενή (Πλατεία Δεξαμενής, Αθήνα)

    Από τις πιο αγαπημένες ταινίες των θεατών της δεκαετίας του ’80, αυτός ο μαγευτικός συνδυασμός νουάρ και ρομάντζου απέδωσε με έξοχους κινηματογραφικούς όρους αυτό που μέχρι σήμερα εξακολουθούμε να αποκαλούμε μοντέρνο σινεμά.

    Τρίτη 19 Ιουλίου / «Aliens» (1986) του Τζέιμς Κάμερον / Τρένο στο Ρουφ (Επαρχιακή Οδός Καλλιθέας-Ολυμπιάδας, Αθήνα)

    Εντυπωσιακά εφέ, καταιγισμός δράσης, σκηνές δυσβάσταχτης αγωνίας και ανελέητοι ρυθμοί σε ένα ένδοξο σίκουελ που στέκεται επάξια πλάι στην πρωτότυπη ταινία του Ρίντλεϊ Σκοτ και εκτοξεύει την ηρωίδα του στη λίστα με τις πιο διαχρονικές φιγούρες του σινεμά.

    Τετάρτη 20 Ιουλίου / Στο πλαίσιο του Φεστιβάλ Αθηνών & Επιδαύρου και του αφιερώματος «Shakespeare in the City» / «Βασιλιάς Ληρ» (King Lear, 1970) του Πίτερ Μπρουκ / Πειραιώς 260 (Πειραιώς 260, Άγιος Ιωάννης Ρέντης)

    Δυο ιερά τέρατα του αγγλικού θεάτρου, ο σκηνοθέτης Πίτερ Μπρουκ και ο ηθοποιός Πολ Σκόφιλντ, μεταμορφώνουν την τραγωδία του «Βασιλιά Ληρ» σε κινηματογραφικό θέαμα υψηλής ποιότητας.

    Παρασκευή 22 Ιουλίου / «Η Ετυμηγορία» (The Verdict, 1982) του Σίντνεϊ Λουμέτ / Σινέ Τριανόν (Οδός Κοδριγκτώνος 21, Αθήνα)

    Με έναν εξαιρετικό Πολ Νιούμαν στον πρωταγωνιστικό ρόλο, ένας από τους μέγιστους δημιουργούς του αμερικανικού σινεμά υπογράφει μια από τις καλύτερες ταινίες του: Ενα συγκλονιστικό δικαστικό δράμα το οποίο στάθηκε σημείο αναφοράς για αμέτρητα φιλμ που ακολούθησαν.

    Δευτέρα 25 Ιουλίου / Σινεμά μετά μουσικής / «Dementia» (1955) του Τζoν Πάρκερ συνοδεία μουσικής επένδυσης από τον The Boy / Ταινιοθήκη της Ελλάδος (Ιερά Οδός 48, Αθήνα)

    Η νυχτερινή οδύσσεια μιας μοναχικής γυναίκας στους δρόμους της μεγαλούπολης την οδηγεί σε σκοτεινά μονοπάτια σεξουαλικής απόγνωσης και παράνοιας, σε αυτό το πραγματικά αλλόκοτο και ακόμη ανεξερεύνητο από το ευρύ κοινό νουάρ που δεν έχει καθόλου διαλόγους, αφήνοντας να μιλήσει η εξπρεσιονιστική γλώσσα των εικόνων.

    Παρασκευή 29 Ιουλίου / «Αμαντέους» (Amadeus, 1984) του Μίλος Φόρμαν (ο χώρος θα επιβεβαιωθεί τις επόμενες ημέρες)

    Το βραβευμένο με 8 Οσκαρ κομψοτέχνημα του Μίλος Φόρμαν για τον Βόλφγκανγκ Αμαντέους Μότσαρτ είναι μία ταινία που ξεπέρασε τα όρια της μουσικής βιογραφίας. Βασισμένη στο ομώνυμο θεατρικό έργο του καταξιωμένου Πίτερ Σάφερ, έγινε μία οξυδερκή σπουδή για το χάσμα ανάμεσα στο θεϊκό ταλέντο και την ανθρώπινη μετριότητα.

    Παρασκευή 19 Αυγούστου / «Προετοιμασία για Eγκλημα» (Dressed to Kill, 1980) του Μπράιαν Ντε Πάλμα / Ταινιοθήκη της Ελλάδος (Ιερά Οδός 48, Αθήνα)

    Προκλητικός αισθησιασμός, σοκαριστική βία, ατσαλένιο σασπένς και ραδιούργες σεναριακές εκπλήξεις σε ένα διεστραμμένα απολαυστικό ψυχολογικό θρίλερ που ο Ντε Πάλμα σκηνοθετεί με απερίγραπτη μαεστρία και απροκάλυπτη ηδονή.

    Παρασκευή 26 Αυγούστου / Αφιέρωμα «Shakespeare in the City» / «Ερρίκος ο 5ος» (Henry V, 1944) του Λόρενς Ολίβιε / Πεζόδρομος Δ. Αρεοπαγίτου (απέναντι από το Μουσείο της Ακρόπολης)

    Πόλεμος, διαφθορά, ρομαντισμός και …Λόρενς Ολίβιε. Ο ηθοποιός που αποτέλεσε συνώνυμο της σαιξπηρικής αναπαράστασης σε θέατρο και σινεμά, αναλαμβάνει το ρόλο του Ερρίκου του 5ου και ενορχηστρώνει ως σκηνοθέτης μερικές από τις πιο επικές (και αιματηρές) σκηνές μάχης της 7ης τέχνης.

    Δευτέρα 29 Αυγούστου / Αφιέρωμα «Shakespeare in the City» / «Το Θέατρο του Αίματος» (Theatre of Blood, 1973) του Ντάγκλας Χίκοξ / Νομισματικό Μουσείο (Πανεπιστημίου 12, Αθήνα)

    Γκραν γκινιόλ τρόμος, ακαταμάχητο μαύρο χιούμορ και ένας σαρδόνιος Βίνσεντ Πράις που δεν χορταίνεις να βλέπεις πρωτοστατούν σε αυτή την εκκεντρική παρωδία, όπου ένας ηθοποιός εκδικείται τους κριτικούς θεάτρου που τον απαξίωσαν, έχοντας ως εγχειρίδιο φόνου τα έργα του Σαίξπηρ!

    Τετάρτη 31 Αυγούστου / «Κάποτε στη Δύση» (Once Upon a Time in the West, 1968) του Σέρτζιο Λεόνε / Ακαδημία Πλάτωνος (Μοναστηριού 137, Αθήνα)

    Οι αξεπέραστες μουσικές παρτιτούρες του Ενιο Μορικόνε, το κοφτερό σαν μαχαίρι βλέμμα του Χένρι Φόντα, η μεγαλειώδης σκηνοθεσία του Σέρτζιο Λεόνε, η Κλαούντια Καρντινάλε να σκορπίζει την ομορφιά της σε ένα σκληρό κόσμο αντρών και η μυθολογία της Αγριας Δύσης συνηγορούν στο να γεννήσουν ένα από τα ανυπέρβλητα γουέστερν έπη του κινηματογράφου.

    Παρασκευή 2 Σεπτεμβρίου / «Οι Αταίριαστοι» (Misfits. 1961) του Τζον Χιούστον (ο χώρος θα επιβεβαιωθεί τις επόμενες ημέρες)

    Eνα μελαγχολικό και ελεγειακό ρέκβιεμ για τους υπέροχους losers αυτού του κόσμου με πρωταγωνιστές τους Κλαρκ Γκέιμπλ, Μέριλιν Μονρό και Μοντγκόμερι Κλιφτ στις τελευταίες κινηματογραφικές παρουσίες τους.

    Δευτέρα 5 Σεπτεμβρίου / Προβολή έκπληξη για τα 40 χρόνια του περιοδικού «Αθηνόραμα» (Ο χώρος και οι λεπτομέρειες της προβολής θα ανακοινωθούν σύντομα)

    (news247.gr)

  • Vote Now! Athens in the Running for the Best European Destination 2016

    Vote Now! Athens in the Running for the Best European Destination 2016

    ΓενικάThe European Best Destinations website has nominated Athens, Greece, as one of the 20 candidates in the running for the title of the Best European Destination in 2016.

    The voting for this prestigious label, synonymous with European excellence, will take place online between January 20 and February 10. The winner will be the city with the most online votes!

    The “Best European Destination 2016” will be authorized to use the title and affix the “European Best Destination” logo on all its communications, adverts, website and photos; it will also have the right to authorize its own public and private partners to use the logo.

    According to organizer EBD, the election of the European Best destinations receives substantial coverage right across all the various media in Europe.

    In 2015 the best destination in Europe was Bordeaux. Athens came in third place last year.

    Cast your vote here!

    In its seventh year, the online competition is an event organized by the European Best Destinations (EBD), a European organization based in Brussels and developed to promote culture and tourism in Europe. In partnership with the participating tourism offices and the EDEN Network the organization promotes a better understanding of the wealth, diversity and quality of European destinations and Europe as the number one destination in the world.

    Since 2009 EBD has been working with major tourism offices in Europe to reward and highlight the most visited destinations via its website and social networks (+2,5 millions of visitors and thousands of followers on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ Pinterest and 26,000,000 of media coverage).

    (www.chaniapost.eu)