The first time we found ourselves in Agios Lavrentios was in the summer of 2009. Our objective was to film the concert of Floros Floridis at Music Village, as footage for the musical documentary “Chimerinoi Kolymvites”.
The music tank of Greece is specific. Many of the participants were known. There was something happening in every corner. We ended up walking the small cobbled streets of Agios Lavrentios all day… and night, looking for Chatzini Square. A place out of a storybook. The beautiful village, the high musical level, the mood, the disposition, the feast in the square and the courtyard of the Byzantine church of Agios Athanasios, gave birth to the idea of making this documentary. So, in consultation with the organizers and the appropriate preparation we were ready for next year.
For the immediate management and classification of the material, an Avid-editing suite was set up in a classroom of the elementary school. The trailers that were made for each period and were shown at the beginning of next period won the trust of local and visitor participants. As a result the camera became part of the action during the three periods, sharing the moments of the protagonists and becoming a protagonist itself.
The following year we covered the last students parade, as the elementary school closes permanently, during the National holiday of March 25th. Also, the material includes the complete photographic record from all the previous years by the official photographer of the event Nikolas Chrissos. Additionally, the filming of the radio broadcast of Stelios Moustos from the studio of ERT SA on the subject of guitar seminars in the Music Village.
The protagonists of the documentary are the three organizers, the production team, the musicians (tutors and participants), excursionists, temporary residents and locals of Agios Lavrentios. We follow these people in seminars, actions, festivities and parties. 52 interviewed of them, form an opinion.
Music is in the foreground. The reason for which all these people have gathered in this place. Music is ever present at workshops, rehearsals, concerts, spontaneous parties, in the nature itself. The camera stops at portraits of people, highlights short stories, comments on topics through the child's impulsiveness, musical tendencies and partnerships. Topics are developed, such as the position of women as a soloist in traditional instruments and the absorption of musical experience after the end of the Music Village event.
The film is currently in post-production. Our goal is to communicate anyone that feels the need to respond to its eutopia.
Andreas Siadimas – Director
Yannis Angelakis – Producer