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
FRIDAY JULY 21
MEGARA, ALSOUS THEOGNIDOS THEATER
Eating Our Way to Extinction (Premiere)
Directed by: Otto Brockway & Ludo Brockway
Duration: 80′
On our way to extinction, a hard-hitting and visually spectacular documentary, conveys the shocking testimonies and painful descriptions of indigenous people, who are already affected by the ongoing climate change. The truths recorded in the documentary can awaken, before it is already too late.
SATURDAY 22 JULY
MANDRA, FIELD PLATE RACHIS
Barricade – Road barrier
Director, screenplay: David Klammer
Duration: 83′
A documentary about the occupation of the Dannenrod forest in Hesse, which ended in December 2020. Through the recording of the daily life of the activists in the forest and their impetuous claim for better climate conditions, a spark of hope for a better future is born.
SUNDAY 23 JULY
ASPROPYRGOS, METROPOLITAN PARK OF GORITSA
Plastic pioneers (Premiere)
Directed by: Mike Wafer
Duration: 84′
Guest speaker: Stathis Galazoulas, Director
A wake-up call and inspiration to action. An invitation to travel to the coral reefs, to those places where sharks and seabirds congregate, so that viewers realize the enormous danger of the scourge of plastic that overwhelms every aspect of modern life.
