Two Greek entries are set to grace the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival, taking place from January 18-28 in Park City, Utah. Vaggelio Soumeli’s short film, “Phoebe,” and Daphne Matziaraki’s documentary, “The Battle for Laikipia,” are part of the lineup for the 40th edition of the largest independent film festival in the US.
Phoebe, selected for the Short Film Program, chronicles the journey of 26-year-old Phoebe and her son as they embark on a road trip following Phoebe’s recent discharge from rehab. Their expedition holds the key to their future. The cast includes Athina Pavlou Benazi, Nikolas Drosopoulos, and Orestis Raissis.
Phoebe
Matziaraki’s documentary, co-directed by Peter Murimi, sheds light on the conflict between indigenous pastoralists and white landowners in Laikipia, Kenya, unveiling unresolved historical injustices as the impact of climate change becomes evident. “The Battle for Laikipia,” produced by One Story Up and Toni Kamau, has been selected for Sundance’s World Cinema Documentary Competition.
Moreover, Matziaraki’s thesis film, “4.1 Miles,” was nominated for Best Documentary Short Subject at the 89th Academy Awards in 2017.
Both films began development with the support of a special program initiated by the Ministry of Culture, aimed at bolstering the Greek filmmaking community during the challenging period of the pandemic.
More info on the 2024 Sundance Film Festival
