“In this world there are humans, gods and people like me”
Pythagoras, 5th century B.C.
“In this world there are humans, gods and people like me”
Pythagoras, 5th century B.C.
Synopsis
The tiny Greek island Gavdos is considered to be a paradise outside civilization. Life on the island is tough: drinkable water is scarce, there are no petrol stations, airports or banks, yet it attracts people from all over the world. A community of Russian former nuclear scientists came to this island 20 years ago, where they conduct a lifelong experiment which is based on the philosophy of Pythagoras.
Even if the island population is small, the dynamics are the same as in the rest of the world. The island population is divided. There are differences between the proponents of a tourist industry that would bring money and structure, and all those who reject state control and want to enjoy their simple, free life.
Focusing on this microcosm at the extremities of Europe – this film investigates the rules of the modern society and its values.
Synopsis
The tiny Greek island Gavdos is considered to be a paradise outside civilization. Life on the island is tough: drinkable water is scarce, there are no petrol stations, airports or banks, yet it attracts people from all over the world. A community of Russian former nuclear scientists came to this island 20 years ago, where they conduct a lifelong experiment which is based on the philosophy of Pythagoras.
Even if the island population is small, the dynamics are the same as in the rest of the world. The island population is divided. There are differences between the proponents of a tourist industry that would bring money and structure, and all those who reject state control and want to enjoy their simple, free life.
Focusing on this microcosm at the extremities of Europe – this film investigates the rules of the modern society and its values.
Stage of Production
Russian director Svetlana Strelnikova has been observing the development of the micro-society on Gavdos since 2015.
During this time she made several film- and research trips there, and obtained a lot of material. Her work was supported by the Media-Creative Europe Development Fund.
Most recently, financing for the project was secured by funding from Germany, Greece and France.
Stage of Production
Russian director Svetlana Strelnikova has been observing the development of the micro-society on Gavdos since 2015.
During this time she made several film- and research trips there, and obtained a lot of material. Her work was supported by the Media-Creative Europe Development Fund.
Most recently, financing for the project was secured by funding from Germany, Greece and France.
Director’s Motivation
Sometimes we all want to escape and the idea of escaping to an island seems very attractive.
When I first heard about Gavdos, I experienced a personal and creative crisis. I am Russian and by 2014, relations between Russia and Europe had improved, the visa was more of a formality, but then came the Ukraine crisis in 2014…
Well, the nightmare of my childhood was back. Once again I saw how easily the people of Europe and Russia were divided. So much hatred from both sides.
The idea of a utopian community is so beautiful … and it’s so easy to “sell”. It is just very difficult to keep a utopian society alive.
Human nature is divided. On the one hand, people want to unite and get closer to others. On the other hand, you should protect your borders, otherwise your society threatens to disappear.
The crisis is everywhere. Mass media play dirty games, propaganda works on all sides. And life on Gavdos seemed so peaceful and calm, but the same mechanisms apply on the small island as in the larger world.
Svetlana Strelnikova
Director’s Motivation
Sometimes we all want to escape and the idea of escaping to an island seems very attractive.
When I first heard about Gavdos, I experienced a personal and creative crisis. I am Russian and by 2014, relations between Russia and Europe had improved, the visa was more of a formality, but then came the Ukraine crisis in 2014…
Well, the nightmare of my childhood was back. Once again I saw how easily the people of Europe and Russia were divided. So much hatred from both sides.
The idea of a utopian community is so beautiful … and it’s so easy to “sell”. It is just very difficult to keep a utopian society alive.
Human nature is divided. On the one hand, people want to unite and get closer to others. On the other hand, you should protect your borders, otherwise your society threatens to disappear.
The crisis is everywhere. Mass media play dirty games, propaganda works on all sides. And life on Gavdos seemed so peaceful and calm, but the same mechanisms apply on the small island as in the larger world.
Svetlana Strelnikova
Svetlana Strelnikova
Svetlana Strelnikova is a Moscow-based award-winning documentary filmmaker interested in the intersection of idealism and real life. After graduating from the Moscow State University, she entered the National Film School. She worked as a Line producer and Fixer with foreign crews filming in Russia, and she attended a number of workshops, such as DokIncubator and Eurodoc 2016.
Her first feature film won a NYFA scholarship. Her director’s filmography includes feature-length documentaries, which received awards at festivals: DocuDays (UA), Watch Dogs (PL), Chronograph (ML), Message to Man (RU), Kinoshok (RU).
Her film, Cardiopolitika, was nominated for a Nika award – the main annual national film award presented by the Russian Academy of Cinema Arts and Science in 2016.
Her latest film Legend of Sigfried, released in 2020, was screened at numerous European film festivals.
Svetlana Strelnikova
Svetlana Strelnikova is a Moscow-based award-winning documentary filmmaker interested in the intersection of idealism and real life. After graduating from the Moscow State University, she entered the National Film School. She worked as a Line producer and Fixer with foreign crews filming in Russia, and she attended a number of workshops, such as DokIncubator and Eurodoc 2016.
Her first feature film won a NYFA scholarship. Her director’s filmography includes feature-length documentaries, which received awards at festivals: DocuDays (UA), Watch Dogs (PL), Chronograph (ML), Message to Man (RU), Kinoshok (RU).
Her film, Cardiopolitika, was nominated for a Nika award – the main annual national film award presented by the Russian Academy of Cinema Arts and Science in 2016.
Her latest film Legend of Sigfried, released in 2020, was screened at numerous European film festivals.
Fact Sheet
Genre:
Creative Documentary
Length:
80 Min.
Written and Directed by
Svetlana Strelnikowa
DoP:
Irina Shatalova
Producer:
Rea Apostolides (“Anemon Film”, Athens)
Frank Müller (“Doppelplusultra”, Hamburg)
Catherine Siméon
Cedric Bonin (Seppia, Straßbourg)
Country of Production:
Greece, Germany, France
Shooting Location:
Greece
Language:
Greek, English, Russian
Production Stage:
Production
Total Budget:
€ 344.000
Supported by
Greek Film Center
Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig Holstein
ERT (Greek TV)
CNC
Media – Creative Development
Release:
February 2022
Fact Sheet
Genre:
Creative Documentary
Length:
80 Min.
Written and Directed by
Svetlana Strelnikowa
DoP:
Irina Shatalova
Producer:
Rea Apostolides (“Anemon Film”, Athens)
Frank Müller (“Doppelplusultra”, Hamburg)
Catherine Siméon
Cedric Bonin (Seppia, Straßbourg)
Country of Production:
Greece, Germany, France
Shooting Location:
Greece
Language:
Greek, English, Russian
Production Stage:
Production
Total Budget:
€ 344.000
Supported by
Greek Film Center
Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig Holstein
ERT (Greek TV)
CNC
Media – Creative Development
Release:
February 2022
