A film about childhood and leaving behind your innocence in order to survive.

Dimitris, a 10 year old boy, is the only child of a rich family. The only person that took care of him, his grandma, is dead. Now his only companion is his pet guinea pig. When Dimitris’ parents decide a cruel future for him, Dimitris in order to survive he “cripples” the most pure side of himself.

Director's Statement

Christos Liakouris (artistic pseudonym is Chris Moraitis) is the Greek film director and producer of the independent short film.

'It is clear that the violence we suffer socially in recent years was the impetus for the creation of Pet. It is a film that focuses on current events. I am committed to this story because it concerns me very strongly how a child can be mentally deformed due to the treatment of his parents. I am also concerned of the consequences of materialism. This film touches on the "race" who demonstrate wealth and power, for the sake of which we are losing ourselves and our children. We lose the moment... and the future.'

 

If Vogue is writing about it, then it must be cool, right?

From roaming the streets of Plaka to admiring the exhibitions at the Benaki Museum, Athens doesn’t dissapoint with brilliant things to do. Sometimes however, especially during the summer months, Athens becomes crowded with tourists. It may be hard to find a quiet space to enjoy the city if you don’t know what you’re looking for. In this article, Vogue explores Koukaki and Makriyianni and establishes these two neighborhoods as ‘inviting and lingering, remaining remarkably hushed.’

Click HERE to read Vogue’s suggestions for what to do, where to eat, where to shop, and even where to stay, all within Koukaki and Makriyianni!

This summer 2017, the New York Film Academy will be hosting workshops and film classes taught by leading industry professionals. The NYFA is considered the best hands-on film school in the world by many of today's top filmmakers. The student body is remarkably diverse across the New York City, Los Angeles and South Beach campuses.

The New York Film Academy was founded on the philosophy that ‘learning by doing’ combined with best industry practices is more valuable than years of theoretical study for filmmakers and actors. This educational model allows students to achieve more in less time than at all other film or acting schools in the world.

Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Bruce Springsteen, Al Pacino, Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, and Jodie Foster are among the many figures in the film industry who have sent their family members to study at the New York Film Academy. The NYFA is honored to be the film and acting school of choice of these other luminaries including Kevin Kline, Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, Bono (U2), directors Stephen Frears, Peter Bogdanovich, Roger Donaldson and James L. Brooks.

For those considering sharpening their skills, the NYFA offers a wide selection of immersive, hands-on workshops, where working industry professionals teach students to create their own original work using the latest techniques, industry-standard equipment, and premier facilities. Students interested an intensive short-term workshop can choose from topics in filmmaking, acting for film, photography, producing, screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, broadcast journalism, 3D animation, digital editing, game design, virtual reality, and musical theatre.

In addition to the summer courses, the NYFA offers camps, short-term workshops, conservatory-style programs, and degree programs. The Academy’s one and two-year conservatory-style programs include topics in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Producing, Screenwriting, 3D Animation, Cinematography, Broadcast Journalism, Photography, Graphic Design, Musical Theatre, and Game Design, as well as an accelerated three-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Producing, Screenwriting, 3D Animation, Graphic Design, and Game Design, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media Studies.

The school also offers two-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Screenwriting, Producing, Cinematography, Documentary, Game Design and Photography, and two-year Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degrees in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Producing, Screenwriting and Game Design, and a Master of Arts (MA) in Film and Media Production at the Los Angeles campus. Each program is structured for students who want intensive training from award-winning faculty, using professional facilities and equipment starting their first day of classes; better preparing them for a career in the motion picture and entertainment industries. In the first year of any of our filmmaking programs each student will write, shoot, direct and edit eight films and work as crew on 28 more!

About the Faculty

Claude Kerven - Director and Screenwriter
Chair, Filmmaking Program at New York Film Academy

Claude Kerven's career as a professional director began with the outstanding debut of "Candy Store," winner of a student Academy Award for Best Dramatic Student Film. In 1982, he directed a series of after-school specials for ABC TV including the Emmy-winning "Starstruck," and the DGA nominated "High School Narc." Kerven also earned a Cable Ace award nomination for his direction of Jim Belushi's Cinemax comedy special "Birthday Boy" and was the director of over 25 short films for Saturday Night Live including the much celebrated "Synchronized Swimmers" starring Martin Short, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer.

As a directing and screenwriting instructor, Kerven has taught at a number of prestigious film schools (NYU, SVA) before taking on the position of Chair at the New York Film Academy, a role he has held now for over 12 years.

Susan Lambert - Singer, Actress, Producer
Vocal Technique Teacher, Workshop Leader & Coach

Susan Lambert has been concertizing on world stages and in intimate venues for 25 years as well as premiering new works and working in the theatre around the U.S. and Europe as a high profile actress on stage and in television. She has designed arts programs for young people in universities and high schools and freelance and has taught and performed in Greece since 1985.

Susan’s great love is teaching, whether it be acting classes, private voice lessons, or workshops. She has taught Broadway performers, opera singers, pop recording artists, actors form the stage and screen and people who just love to perform as well as teaching hundreds of young students throughout the years!

Phaedra Soutou
Choreographer, Dramaturg, Dancer, Performer

Phaedra Soutou teaches workshops in physical theatre, contemporary dance, and improvisation. A graduate of the Professional School of Dance of Despina Grigoriadou, she also studied Dramaturgy in the theater department of the National Kapodistrian University in Athens, Greece, graduating from the higher dramatic school "Ebros" and going on to hold a Vaganova diploma (Master's in Choreography and Teaching) from the Varna International Dance Academy, Bulgaria.

Anthoula Katsimatides
Actress, Teacher

Anthoula, a true artist at heart, was born and raised in Astoria, Queens and is eagerly pursuing her acting career. Anthoula has played parts in major films such as “Taking Woodstock” (directed by Oscar-winner Ang Lee) and “The Family” (starring Robert Deniro and Michelle Pfeifer and directed by the incredible Luc Besson). In addition to her major acting roles, she has developed her own one-woman show, called “What Will People Think?” and has performed sold-out shows at festivals in NYC.

Dr. Eugenia Arsenis
Director, Dramaturg, Teacher

Eugenia Arsenis has collaborated with international cultural organizations, Royal Albert Hall, San Francisco Opera Center, Center for Contemporary Opera, Skylight Music Theatre. She has worked as Dramaturg of the Center for Contemporary Opera in New York. Coordinator and Dramaturg of the Experimental Stage of the Greek National Opera under the artistic direction of Theodore Antoniou, throughout all the years of its artistic operation. A speaker at international conferences, she has taught at many Universities and Conservatories.

For more information, please visit: NYFA

Photo Credit: NYFA

The American Community School of Athens, will proudly honor alumna Stephanie E. Joannides, Senior Superior Court Judge, Anchorage Alaska, class of ‘71, with this year's “Lifetime Achievement Award,” acknowledging her professional achievements, exemplary leadership with ethos, and service to humanity. 

This special event will take place on April 6 2019, at the Capital Hilton, Washington D.C., at 6:30 pm.

Professor Nicholas Burns, former US Ambassador to Greece and ACS Athens parent, will be the guestspeaker at the Award Ceremony.

Stephanie Joannides served as a judge on the State District Court, the State Superior Court and as a pro tem judge on the Alaska Court of Criminal Appeals from 1994 to 2011. Since then, she has been on senior status, presiding over civil and criminal cases, being involved in a variety of court projects and committees and sitting pro tem on the Criminal Court of Appeals.

With its 2nd Alumni Achievement Awards Event, ACS Athens takes the opportunity to invite members of its community across the globe and prominent professionals from all areas to this landmark event for a meaningful celebration, bringing together people who are changing the world!

For additional information and registration, visit acsathensglobal or contact Ms. Valerie Alexopoulos at alexopoulosv@acs.gr.

Entrance is $250 per person. All proceeds will go to alumni scholarships.

The criteria for the Blue Flag accreditation are the quality and cleanliness of the beach and coast, the overall organization of the beach, the safety of visitors, the protection of nature and environmental awareness.

The historic race of The Authentic Marathon Swim revived at Artemision 2,500 years later. Amateur and professional swimmers from Japan, Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Bulgaria, and Greece enjoyed the remarkable sporting event with utmost safety, uniting the legend with history, on September 4-6, 2020, at Pefki, Evia of the Municipality of Istiaia – Edipsos.

The authentic route

For the first time, after 2,500 years, the historic authentic 10km route revived with the participation of world-class names that swam over the shipwrecks of the historic naval battle of Artemision in 480 B.C. following the example of Skyllias and his daughter Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to The Father of History, Herodotus, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet. The demanding route took place at the straits of Artemision, connecting Central Greece with Thessaly and the regional units of Evia, Magnesia, and Fthiotida, with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture & Sports, Mr. Lefteris Avgenakis, President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Mrs. Angela Gerekou, Governor of Central Greece Region, Mr. Fanis Spanos and Mayor of Istiaia-Edipsos, Mr. Ioannis Kontzias. A common reference from all those honoring the event with their presence was made for the absolutely successful compliance of the measures and the historic revival of the authentic swimming marathon route.

In the context of the races held, the Mayor of Istiaia-Edipsos, Mr. Kontzias, stated: “It was a special honour for our Municipality to revive this historic sporting event. With the principle of Plutarch’s ascertainment about the Naval Battle of Artemision “ἀρχὴ γὰρ ὄντως τοῦ νικᾶν τὸ θαρρεῖν” meaning “Courage is the beginning of victory” we faced the special conditions of our times with responsibility and emerged as winners. I would like to warmly thank the entire Greek state, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports, the Hellenic Swimming Federation, the Region of Central Greece, the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece and all sponsors who supported us in this effort from the first moment, recognizing the historical background of The Authentic Marathon Swim. Our goal is for the event to become an institution and to be repeated every year”.

The support of the local government

The entire local government of Central Greece joined the Municipality of Istiaia- Edipsos, supporting the revival of The Authentic Marathon Swim. The event was held 2 with the support and cooperation of the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.ST.E.), and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece.

World-class athletes were present

The Authentic Marathon Swim was honored by the presence of the silver Olympic medalist, world champion in the open water swimming, and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Spyros Gianniotis. Among participating swimmers, the event had the Bulgarian Olympic champion Petar Stoychev with 4 Olympics participations, 11 consecutive titles in major international open water marathon swimming FINA series, and the impressive achievement of being in the Ice Swimming Hall of Fame, the Japanese Olympic champion in Rio, Yasu Fukuoka and top names from Greece. Specifically, the open water masters’ world champion, Vicky Kouveli the bronze medalist in the 2011 world open water swimming championship, with 4 participations in the Olympics, Marianna Lymperta, the three-time Greek champion and two- time English Channel marathon swimmer, Sofia Psilolignou, the English Channel marathon swimmer Giannis Kotsiopoulos, along with the elite athletes of the Greek national open water swimming team with Dimitris Negris, Andreas Georgakopoulos, Stellina Aplanti, Ilektra Lebl, Olga Ntalla and the swimming champion George Skotadis who competes with the colors of the Dutch national team.

In the context of the races, Spyros Gianniotis, Nikos Gemelos, Petar Stoychev, Yasu Fukuoka, Vicky Kouveli, Marianna Lymperta, and Sofia Psilolignou were honored for their presence, while the Mayor of Istiaia-Edipsos, Mr. Ioannis Kontzias was honored for his idea and work.

The activities

On Saturday, September 5, the action began with the 3km open water swimming race, while the 1.5km race followed at Pefki beach.

Respectively, on Sunday, September 6, the event culminated with the revival of the authentic 10km marathon swimming route at the straits of Artemision. The event also included an 800m children’s race offering joy and smiles to dozens of kids. The warm-up of all athletes was held by the physical education instructor, Mandy Persaki.

The Authentic Marathon Swim, honoring the history of the region, held a symbolic event at the ancient settlement of Artemision where Mavroelia from Artemision or Olive Mavromandila can be found. It is a monument of nature and local history, one of the oldest olive trees in the world, dating back over 2,500 years. Winners of the routes were symbolically awarded a branch of Mavroelia.

The races’ results

In the authentic 10km marathon swimming route, the Bulgarian Olympic champion Petar Stoychev finished first in the men’s category, while the world champion of open water masters, Vicky Kouveli took the first place in women. In the 3km route, the champion Dimitris Negris won the first place amongst the men while the champion Ilektra Lebl was first in women. Respectively, in the 1.5km route, the champion Andreas Georgakopoulos finished first in the men’s category and Despina Dogia was first in the women’s category. You may check all the detailed results for the 10km route, the 3km route, and the 1.5km route. 

Opening the gates for safe sports tourism events

The event was held in accordance with FINA regulations and the health protocol based on the instructions of the expert scientists-collaborators of the Hellenic Swimming 3 Federation and recommendations of the Greek General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Committee, established by Active Media Group, ensuring the health of athletes and attendees.

The mandatory use of a mask by the staff and encouragement of its use by everyone with its free provision, the temperature measurements by the team of Target Security, although several athletes entered the venue with a mask showing a high sense of individual responsibility, the use of gloves where needed, the disinfection of all areas, equipment, and office materials, the demarcation of a 2,000 square meters space through the use of railings, swimmers starting in different waves to avoid interactions while maintaining long distances between them, the isolation of foreign athletes in different hotels and their entry in Greece with PCR tests were just a few elements on the first page of the safety measures implemented.

In the context of The Authentic Marathon Swim, Active Media Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akis Tsolis stated: "With our experienced and certified staff from the World Health Organization, we put in action with absolute success, an even stricter health protocol than the one approved by the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the General Secretariat of Sports, taking all necessary measures for the safety of our participants. We created a recording system of outgoing and incoming people in order to always be aware, of the number of people that were present at the area of ​​the sports facility we built. Moreover, for the first time in the world, in these health conditions we experience, individual awarding was held for the 10km athletes. A huge effort was made by the organizing committee, the Municipality, the volunteers but above all by the participants who mostly came to the venue wearing masks. We did not write history, because history was written 2,500 years ago in the naval battle of Artemision, in the Battle of Thermopylae, and in the route swam by Hydna and Skyllias. We are adding to the glorious book of our place’s history; we are filling in the blank pages that are left from the authentic marathon swimming route 2,500 years ago, and we are opening a new chapter in the history of swimming and sports tourism”.

Safety throughout the races

All routes of The Authentic Marathon Swim were designed by the Greek national swimming coach with distinctions in Olympic Games & world open water swimming championships, Mr. Nikos Gemelos. The event prioritizing the absolute safety of its athletes provided everyone with a safety lifeguard buoy since its use by professional and amateur athletes was mandatory. On the 10km route, each swimmer had an escorting boat next to him for safety reasons. Numerous lifeguards with boats and staff from Lifeguard Patrol and European Lifeguard School contributed to the safety of the races with the support of the Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department and dozens of volunteers from the region who helped in the event’s smooth delivery. The judges of the race were appointed by the Hellenic Swimming Federation, which had given its approval for the organization of the event, while the Port Authority of Orei and the race’s doctor also supervised all athletes.

Hospitality Sponsors’ dynamic support

The Authentic Marathon Swim collaborated with 40 hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. The event was enormously supported with special offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Hydna Studios, Island, Maria Louiza Apartments, Hotel 40 Platania, Altamar Hotel, Ellaeon Throesma, Artemision Hotel, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Ilios Studios, Villa Anastasia, Κochili Apartments, Mirtia Hotel, Irene Studios, Aidipsos Hotel, Aktaion Hotel, Aenaon Studios, Alex Spa Hotel, Anesis Pefki, Athina Studios, Apolonio, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Arethousa 4 Hotel, Avli Hotel, Ermis Spa Hotel, Evia Dream, Galini Hotel Pefki, Gioula Studios, Kallithea Hotel, Katerina Apartments, Kerasiotis Apartments, Konstantinos Hotel, Lito Hotel, Maria Studios, Melikari Studios, Mitho Hotel, Niki Studios, Jenny Studios, Papadioti Αpartments, Rodon Hotel, Sunset Pefki.

The Authentic Marathon Swim was held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization, it was listed in the “Thermopylae-Salamis 2020” Anniversary framework while joining the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission being held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. The event was co-organized by the Municipality of Istiaia- Edipsos Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.ST.E.), and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece, while Active Media Group was responsible for its sports production.

The Authentic Marathon Swim joined the swimming community Global Swim Series (GSS).

NP Insurance and Philosofish were the Official Sponsors.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water was the event’s Official Water.
Luanvi was the Official Clothing Partner.
Mosconi was the Official Sports Supplier.
Avance was the event’s Official Car Rental Partner.
Messinian Spa was the Official Beauty Partner and Target Security the Security Partner.
The event’s Partners included Piraeus Bank, Syconia, Almanda, and Fysiotek Sports Lab.
Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros, Swimmingclub.gr, LA Elite Fitness, APS TRIAS, Kallithea Open Water Team were The Authentic Marathon Swim’s Athletic Partners.
Swimbikerun.gr was the Media Partner.
The event was assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, European Lifeguard School, Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department, Meliriton, and To Kochili.

Photo Credit: Dimitris Andritsos Photography 

The event’s official hashtag #authenticmarathonswim created its own wave on social media bringing unique images and videos from participants’ exciting moments in the Municipality of Istiaia – Edipsos.

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An iconic landmark of Athens, the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is one of the most important stadiums in the world, brimming with historic value. 

It is the last venue in Greece from where the Olympic flame handover ceremony to the host nation takes place. It is a timeless, global symbol of athleticism and Olympism, part and parcel of Athens' history and culture. 

Just a few months before the official launch of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Athens' vision for a world full of light, peace, and democracy shines bright across the globe. 

The Hellenic Olympic Committee launched the new lighting system of the Panathenaic Stadium in order to showcase its uniquely rich history which is inextricably linked to the city of Athens and the modern Olympic Games. A project that gives a breath of fresh air to Athens' urban landscape and adds a sense of splendor to this emblematic landmark.

The new system was inaugurated in a small symbolic ceremony attended by President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Athens' Mayor Kostas Bakogiannis, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, and some other members of the Greek Government.

During the ceremony, Mr. Costas Bakogiannis awarded Mr. Thomas Bach the Medal of the City of Athens, an award made in recognition of Thomas Bach's continued contribution to the promotion of sports and the fundamental values, principles, and ideals of the Olympic spirit.

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XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.