From June 10th until September, the 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, in collaboration with the Peloponnisos International Documentary Festival, presents Mystery 168 Mobile Solar Cinema, a contemporary traveling cinema that, starting from Elefsina, travels throughout the Western Attica to convey a strong environmental message.
Traditionally, itinerant cinemas used to tour the countryside showing screenings in open-air spaces in remote areas, they did not have the sole purpose of entertaining residents without access to movie theaters but the mission of conveying messages and information. Solar World Cinema, the international network of traveling cinemas that operate exclusively on solar energy, is doing exactly the same today. It visits Elefsina of industrial development and acute environmental issues, Aspropyrgos, Mandra, Megara, projecting an environmental message regarding renewable energy sources, sustainable cinema and green technologies. Its aim is to raise concerns about the environment and the identity of the wider region of Western Attica, to attempt to compose ecological messages using audiovisual media in a creative and original way.
For 12 nights in total, cinephiles and not only will have the opportunity to watch award-winning films, Greek and international productions, some of which are shown for the first time, and to talk with renowned directors, academics and professionals. At the same time, the “ecological” project of these film screenings is accompanied by a series of seminars – workshops with an environmental axis for children and teenagers aged 7 – 15, which draw their inspiration from the history of Elefsina, its industrial character and the Holy Mysteries of the ancient world.
The project is supported by the Region of Attica, while it is carried out in collaboration with the Municipalities of Aspropyrgos, Mandra-Idyllia & Megara, and the Cultural Association of Megara “Theognis”.
The entire mobile cinema equipment is powered by 100% solar energy. The solar cinema can travel to any area and is completely self-sufficient.
Screening schedule
3 JUL
ASPROPYRGOS, AGROKIPIOU OPEN THEATER *
Digger
Directed by: Tzortzis Grigorakis
Actors: Vangelis Mourikis, Argyris Pantazaras, Sofia Kokkali
Duration: 101′
Guest speaker: Tzortzis Grigorakis, Director
Nikitas lives secluded in a mountain forest, which is threatened by the aggressive expansion of an industrial plant. The tone will be raised even more with the sudden arrival of his son, who claims the share of the estate he inherited from his mother. A contemporary western of recent Greek fiction.
5 JUL
MANDRA, ST. EKATERINIS PRIVATE *
2040 (Premiere)
Director/Screenplay: Damon Gameau
Duration 92′
Invited speaker: Nikos Hatziargyriou, Professor Emeritus NTUA
A groundbreaking documentary that highlights the importance of ecological action today, focusing on the alternatives that already exist to address the challenges of climate change. The aim is to ensure a beautiful future through the adoption of technological innovations in everyday life, which seem to have the potential to reverse the critical environmental situation by 2040.
