Successful 5th International Documentary Festival “Beyond Borders"

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 5th International Documentary Festival “Beyond Borders", was a complete success.

The "Beyond Borders" film festival is co-sponsored by the South Aegean Region under the auspices of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad, the Australian Embassy in Athens, the US Embassy in Athens, the Embassy of Israel in Athens and the Municipality of Megisti (Castellorizo).

For the first time, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Giannis Chrysoulakis awarded the special prize 'Odysseas' to the best historical documentary. It was awarded to the documentary "In the silence of the seabed" by Filippos Vardakas, while two other expatriates won the 'Best Greek Documentary' prize- A fifty-six minute documentary entitled "Spyros and the Round of Death", directed by Dimitris and Lina Kafida.

Australia's Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Arthur Spyrou, was also present.

Great meeting with the Secretary General for Public Diplomacy & Greeks Abroad @johnchrysoul on #Castellorizo. The 🇦🇺🇬🇷 diaspora, incl. 60,000 Kazzies, is a major driver of the strong bilateral relationship & a key ingredient of the warm friendship btw our two countries. ❤️ @dfat pic.twitter.com/CjICIaXUcH

— Alison Duncan (@AusAmbAthens) August 31, 2020

Addressing the closing ceremony, Mr. Giannis Chrysoulakis stated that 'Odysseus' is an "award-symbol of our culture that, from tonight, will be able to travel where our Greek Diaspora is and breathes. It is the first that is awarded especially to an expatriate creator and the first that gives the impetus for even more creations that produce culture, for ever more interesting historical approaches and analyzes through the eyes of our expatriates."

The Municipality of Megisti also honoured the Secretary General for Public Diplomacy and Greeks Abroad for his support to the remote Kastellorizo ​​and the programs implemented for the island, for its residents and expatriate.