08/03/2012 - Celebrating its 14th edition, Europe’s third most important documentary showcase aims to maintain its high status in spite of tight budgets

With more than 190 titles in schedule and record-breaking attendance from local and international professionals alike, the country’s biggest documentary festival will begin its 14th edition on Friday, March 9th, with Tony Gatlif’s Indignados [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Tony Gatlif
film profile].

The film will have its national premiere at the non-competitive fest, which will hand out its side-awards on Saturday, March 17, and will drop its curtains on Sunday, March 18. The European presence will be strong, with more than half of the schedule comprising co-productions from the Old Continent, while more than 75 new Greek titles will have their world premiere at the fest, either as part of its international programme or within the Greek Panorama section.

Denmark will have its own spotlight at the festival, which will also be showcasing the best of the Balkan scene, while Greek-French director Angelo Abazoglou and Isreali documentarian Eyal Sivan will enjoy a retrospective of their work. Sivan will also be on hand to present a masterclass at the festival (Thursday, March 15), as will Michael Glawogger (Friday, March 16).

The European Documentary Network is also scheduling the Documentary Stories in New Media masterclass (Thursday, March 15), to be presented by New Media specialist and former Zentropa CEO Asta Wellejus.

The market section is set to be rather lively too, with attendance reaching a record of more than 470 titles and 60 buyers expected to show up for its array of events, such as the Market Talks series and the debut of its Docs in Progress screenings. The market’s interest is expected to peak on the fest’s closing weekend, with EDN presenting its Docs in Thessaloniki pitching forum.