'Under the Stars'
by Christos Georgiou

Film Details 'Under the Stars' (Kato apo ta astra) - 2001 90 mins - Film 35 mm Directed by Christos Georgiou UK/Cypriot/Greek co-production Producers: Mass Productions, Lychnari Co-producers: Prooptiki SA, George Lykiardopoulos (Highway) Release Greece: Prooptiki SA (Theatrical, Video, DVD) Festivals & Awards: - PRIX DE MONTREAL Best First Feature Film 25th Montreal International Film Festival - Best First Feature Film - Festival Jury 20th International Film Festival of Uruguay Montevideo - Best First Feature Film - FIPRESCI Critics Jury - 20th International Film Festival of Uruguay Montevideo - GOLD REMI - Best Foreign Feature, Gold Special Jury Award - Nominated for The Grand Festival Award 35th Houston Worldfest International Film Festival - GRANADA AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM - 1st Commonwealth Film Festival - Manchester - UK Synopsis The film, is a road movie dealing with the lives of two Greek Cypriots whose lives have been torn apart by the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974. After a period of intense fighting, the UN intervenes and draws a Green Line through the middle of Cyprus, separating the Turkish and Greek territories. Twenty-six years later Lukas lives a hermit's life in the divided Nicosia (Lefkosia), haunted by memories of the past. Like Lukas, Phoebe is a child of the war, but unlike him she refuses to dwell on painful memories. Instead, she lives for the present, working as a smuggler, trading goods with Greeks and Turks on both sides of the border. Tempted by an offer of cash, Phoebe reluctantly agrees to escort Lukas back to his family village on the Turkish side of the island. Along the way this odd couple fight, argue and confront their personal demons. They meet some Turkish footballers, a sentimental old couple, and drink with Turkish mechanics. When they finally reach their destination, the deserted village magically comes alive. As Lukas and Phoebe dance among the ghosts of their long-lost relatives, they discover a way of moving forward into the future.