Private Project

Above the borders

"Above the Borders" is a Greek drama-romantic film, directed and written by Sokratis Romilios. The production was done by Artistio and the shooting took place in Ikaria and Athens. Starring Christina Mathioulaki, Panos Boras, Maria Eleftheriadis, Elena Tsounou, Stelios Paraskevas.
The story takes place on a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, which receives thousands of refugees every day. Elli is a young girl who falls in love with a refugee from Syria.
But soon she begins to face the xenophobia, racism and prejudice of the inhabitants of the island, since this relationship is judged by many as inappropriate. She will be called upon to choose between social imperatives and freedom.

  • Sokratis Romilios
    Director
    Goodnight, my love
  • Sokratis Romilios
    Writer
  • Christina Mathioulaki
    Key Cast
    "Elli"
  • Panos Boras
    Key Cast
    "Asif"
  • Maria Eleutheriadi
    Key Cast
    "mother of Elli"
  • Elena Tsounou
    Key Cast
    "Mirto"
  • Vasilis Tsapaliaris
    Producer
  • Stella Tsapaliari
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 12, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Greece
  • Country of Filming:
    Greece
  • Language:
    Modern Greek (1453-)
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 85mm, BMCC
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Rome Film Awards
    Rome
    Italy
    January 18, 2021
    Best Feature Film
  • Cyprus International Film Festival "Golden Aphrodite"
    Nicosia
    Cyprus
    November 17, 2020
    Cyprus International Film Festival "Golden Aphrodite"
    BEST SHORT VETERAN’s CINEMATOGRAPHY and B’ SPECIAL JURY PRIZE AT A VETERAN's SHORT FILM
  • BRIDGES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
    CORINTHIA
    Greece
    December 25, 2020
    Special Jury Prize
  • TiSFF, THESS INTERNATIONAL SHORTS
    Thessaloniki
    Greece
    October 10, 2021
    Official Selection
  • Nafplio International Film Festival - Bridges
    Nafplio
    Greece
    October 30, 2021
    Official Selection
  • Florence Film Awards
    Florence
    Italy
    November 5, 2020
    Florence Film Awards
    Finalist
  • Venice Art Awards
    Venice
    Italy
    March 15, 2021
    Best International Short Film
  • Madrid Film Awards
    Madrid
    Spain
    February 6, 2021
    Finalist
  • Sweden Film Awards
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    October 18, 2020
    Semi-finalist
  • SoCal Film Awards
    Huntington Beach, California
    United States
    March 7, 2021
    Official Selection
  • New Cinema - Lisbon Film Festival
    Lisbon
    Portugal
    November 17, 2020
    Semi-finalist
  • Continental Film Festival
    Hollywood, California, USA
    United States
    Semi Finalist
  • Yard Film Festival
    Athens
    Greece
    December 18, 2020
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Sokratis Romilios

Sokratis Romilios is a Greek Australian artist, filmmaker, and screenwriter whose creative pursuits have taken him on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. Based in Greece, Sokratis' passion for storytelling transcends mediums, from the canvas to the silver screen.
With a solid foundation in Communication and PR from the University of Western Macedonia in Greece, Sokratis embarked on a quest to master the art of strategic communication. This journey led him to the United Kingdom, where he pursued a Marketing MA at the University of Portsmouth in 2011, honing his skills in crafting narratives that resonate with audiences on a profound level.
Driven by a desire to translate his artistic vision into moving images, Sokratis immersed himself in the world of cinematography, undertaking intensive training in Digital Cinematography in Brighton, United Kingdom, in 2015. Armed with a deep understanding of visual storytelling and a mastery of the cinematic language, he set out to create films that would challenge perceptions and ignite dialogue.
In 2020, Sokratis made his directorial debut with the powerful short film "Above the Borders." This poignant exploration of human connection and resilience struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, earning accolades and awards at esteemed film festivals such as the Rome Awards and Cyprus Film Festival. With "Above the Borders," Sokratis announced himself as a formidable talent in the world of filmmaking, showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives that transcend cultural barriers.
Continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling, Sokratis returned to the director's chair in 2023 with his third short film “L' oreille de la mer” (The ear of the sea), this thought-provoking piece delves into the complexities of love and identity within the context of a seemingly "perfect" society. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek myth of transformation, Sokratis challenges societal norms and conventions, inviting audiences to reconsider their perceptions of love, acceptance, and individuality.

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Director Statement

Sokratis Romilios is an artist, filmmaker, and screenwriter based in Greece, whose creative journey spans across various mediums, including painting and filmmaking. His artistic exploration is a testament to the diverse tapestry of human experience, showcased through solo exhibitions nationally and internationally in the United States, China, and France.

Employing abstraction and automatic writing, Romilios channels the ceaseless flux of life, emotions, and thoughts onto his canvases. His intuitive approach to art mirrors the unpredictability and vitality of existence itself, emphasizing the primacy of living over mere comprehension.

In 2020, Romilios made his directorial debut with the short film "Above the Borders," a poignant narrative that garnered acclaim and recognition, including five awards at esteemed film festivals such as the Rome Awards and Cyprus Film Festival.

Undeterred by convention, Romilios ventured into uncharted territory once again in 2023 with his third short film, "L'oreille de la mer" (The Ear of the Sea). This captivating work delves into the intricate interplay of love and identity within the confines of a seemingly utopian society. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek mythology, Romilios challenges societal norms, prompting audiences to reassess their understanding of love, acceptance, and individuality.