RUINS WITHIN RUINS, 9min., Greece
Directed by Lefteris Parasyris
A group of dancers positions themselves between the ancient and modern ruins of the island of Crete, Greece. Drawing inspiration from its rich heritage, they craft a series of kinetic forms and patterns influenced by folk dances and Minoan frescoes. These installations, whether harmonising with or contrasting against the island's culture, offer reflections on historical memory and the Cretan identity.

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Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-ruins-within-ruins

Director Statement

In the aftermath of the Greek depression, thousands of buildings were abandoned, destroyed, or left unfinished. Some of them can be found in historically significant towns or popular tourist destinations that thrive during the summer but become deserted over the winter.
Often located near or within the actual ruins of what was once a glorious civilisation, these structures intersect the recent past and the ancient world, creating a historical irony of chaos and destruction. Unlike the ancient ruins, the contemporary ones have not yet weathered or been scavenged by time. Their decay is still fresh and well underway.

In 'Ruins Within Ruins,' a quintet of dancers positions themselves at the heart of this paradox amid the ancient and modern ruins of the island of Crete.
Drawing inspiration from the rich culture and history of this unique place, they craft a series of kinetic forms and patterns influenced by Cretan folk dances and Minoan frescoes. These installations, whether harmonising with or clashing against the island's architecture and geography, offer reflections on historical memory and the intricate tapestry of Cretan identity across space and time.
Without adopting a folkloric disposition but with profound respect for tradition and heritage, the film examines, through movement, the island's extensive journey from the era of the Minoan civilisation—often hailed as the first in Europe—to the era of Venetian rule and modern times.