As the Athens International Film Festival continues to dominate the Greek cinema scene with its numerous screenings, this week welcomes a smaller but noteworthy selection of new releases. Among them are two animated films, a re-released historic Yugoslav masterpiece, and two American horror-thriller entries.
The Wild Robot (2024)
Three-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, The Croods, How to Train Your Dragon) returns with his latest animation, The Wild Robot. This much-anticipated film explores the clash of two contrasting worlds: the untouched wilderness of an island inhabited by animals, and the advanced world of technology.
The story follows Roz, a robot voiced by Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o, who becomes stranded on a remote island, far from the factory that created her. To survive, Roz must navigate life among the island’s animals, who initially view her as an outsider. As the story unfolds, Roz forms a touching bond with Brightbill, an orphaned baby goose.
Based on Peter Brown’s bestselling The Wild Robot book series, Sanders’ interest in the project began after his daughter introduced him to the books. The film employs a hand-painted visual style inspired by classic Disney films and the works of Hayao Miyazaki.
Director: Chris Sanders
Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy
Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O’Hara, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames
Language: the film is screened either dubbed in Greek or with original audio
IMDB rating: 8.5/10
Production country: United States
Where to watch: (The film is screened in most Athens cinemas, however check the following cinemas for the original audio). Mikrokosmos cinema, Cine Paris, Athinaion cinema, Aigli 3D digital, Village cinemas (The Mall, Rentis), Cinemax (Nana, Kifissia), Flery cinema, Foivos digital cinema, Options Cinemas (Ilion Glyfada), Arian cinema
My Hero Academia: You’re Next (Boku no Hiro Akademia: Za Mubi Yūa Nekusuto, 2024)
Renowned Japanese director Tensai Okamura helms the fourth feature film of the My Hero Academia franchise, based on Kōhei Horikoshi’s popular manga series. In the aftermath of the Paranormal Liberation War, Deku and his classmates from Class 1-A must confront Dark Might and his shadowy crime organization. Fans of the series can expect intense action and the beloved teamwork that has become a hallmark of the My Hero Academia universe.
Director: Tensai Okamura
Cast: Daiki Yamashita, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Yuki Kaji, Ayane Sakura, Kaito Ishikawa
Language: Japanese (with Greek subs)
IMDB rating: 6.5/10
Production country: Japan
Where to watch: Athinaion cinema, Village cinemas (The Mall, Rentis, Pangrati), Cinemax (Nana, Kifissia) Options Cinemas (Ilion)
Bagman (2024)
For generations, the myth of the Bagman—a malevolent figure used to scare children—has crossed cultures. Patrick McKee, who barely survived a childhood encounter with the creature, must confront his past when the Bagman re-emerges to threaten his family.
Director: Colm McCarthy
Cast: Sam Claflin, Antonia Thomas, Carell Vincent Rhoden, Will Davis
Language: English
IMDB rating: 4.7/10
Production country: United States
Where to watch: Athinaion cinema, Village cinemas (The Mall, Rentis, Pangrati, Metro Mall), Cinemax (Aello,Nana), WestCity cinemas, Options Cinemas (Ilion, Glyfada)
The Silent Hour (2024)
Directed by Brad Anderson, The Silent Hour is a gripping American crime thriller. The plot centers on a Boston detective who, after an injury leaves him with permanent hearing loss, returns to the force. His task? To interpret for a deaf witness of a brutal gang murder. Together, they find themselves trapped in a condemned apartment building, fighting to survive as the killers close in.
Director: Tensai Okamura
Cast: Daiki Yamashita, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Yuki Kaji, Ayane Sakura, Kaito Ishikawa
Language: Japanese (with Greek subs)
IMDB rating: 6.5/10
Production country: Japan
Where to watch: Dexameni cinema, Village cinemas (The Mall, Rentis), Cinemax (Nana, Aello), Sporting digital cinema, Lampros Konstantaras movie theater, WestCity cinemas, Options Cinemas (Ilion, Glyfada)
In Re-release
I Even Met Happy Gypsies (Skupljači perja, 1967)
Aleksandar Petrović’s I Even Met Happy Gypsies, one of the standout films of the Yugoslav Black Wave, returns to the big screen. Set in a Roma community, the film follows Bora, a feather salesman trapped in a loveless marriage, who falls in love with the younger Tissa. However, their romance sparks conflict when Tissa rejects the traditional marriage arranged by her father, leading the couple into a whirlwind of turmoil and exile.
Known for its critical take on Yugoslav society, dark humor, and non-traditional narrative style, the Black Wave era is often celebrated for pushing the boundaries of cinema. I Even Met Happy Gypsies stands out not only for its social commentary but also for its authentic use of Romani language and cast.
Director: Aleksandar Petrović
Cast: Bekim Fehmiu, Olivera Vučo, Bata Živojinović, Gordana Jovanović, Mija Aleksić
Language: Romani, Serbian, Croatian
IMDB rating: 7.7/10
Production country: Yugoslavia
Where to watch: Athenne cinema
