The 8th Film Olympiad Grand Prix, is over after a most successful “sold-out” live screening. The Open Air Theatre “Apo Koinou” was packed with spectators and filmmakers, creating a truly joyful and festive ambiance.

The jury’s Best Film Gold Medal went to “Adieu Gaston” from France, directed by Victor Guildbaud. This was the first time that a comedy wins a Film Olympiad Grand Prix! A craftfully produced black comedy, “Adieu Gaston” received a total of 11 medals in 14 nominations, including Gold medals for Best Screenplay and Idea (Victor Guilbaud) and Best Supporting Actor (Vincent Schmitt).

The finalist, winning the Best Film Silver medal, was yet another surreal comedy. “5 more minutes” from Romania, by Alberto Niculae was also one of the most successful films, receiving 9 medals in 13 nominations, including Gold medals in the categories of Best Director (Alberto Niculae), Editing (Alex Pintică) and Supporting Actress (Ana Udroiu). “Paper Lovers” from Spain, by Miguel Solis Gonzalez, came third in the Bronze medal final.

The People’s Choice Best Film Gold Medal went to “Xénia” from Greece, by Alexander Kakouris, with only one more vote than “Look at the Stars” also from Greece, by Aris Kouvaras. This is only the second time a Greek film receives the People’s Choice Gold. The third place was also decided with just one vote difference from the fourth (!!), in the most exciting People’s Choice voting we have ever had – Adieu Gaston prevailed over “5 more minutes” for the Bronze medal.

Alexander Kakouris from “Xénia”, was awarded with the Bronze medal for Best Promising Director, while Leading Actress Christina Sotiriou received the Gold medal. Aris Kouvaras from “Look at the Stars”, was awarded the Bronze medal for Best Screenplay. Both directors were present with their actors and crew at the screening, followed by an interesting and inspiring Q&A with the audience and the Film Olympiad Founder & Chairman Ioannis Makro. Directors Alberto Niculae and Miguel Solis Gonzalez, also participated with two pre-recorded messages. “Cafe Marylin” from Hungary, by András Reszeli-Soós, received two Gold medals, for Best Fantasy/Thriller and for Leading Actor Attila Király.

The five most successful films were as follows:

Adieu Gaston (France) 6 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze, out of 14 nominations

5 more minutes (Romania) 5 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze, out of 13 nominations

Xénia (Greece) 3 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze, out of 11 nominations

The Best Experimental “Little Blue Riding Hood” (Spain), won 3 Gold, 2 Bronze, out of 9 nominations.

The Best Documentary “Climbing Minds” (Spain) won 3 Gold medals, out of 3 nominations.