Atlas

The stories within "Atlas" transcend borders and touch upon universal themes of resilience, identity, and the pursuit of dreams. Through intimate interviews, cinematography, and a narrative, “Atlas” aims to inspire and foster a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience.

Several years ago, the narrator and filmmaker of “Atlas” immigrated from Athens to Hamburg, Germany during the Greek economic crisis. The experience of immigration and the desire to share these feelings inspired him to film the lives of three Greek immigrants of his age, who had similar experiences as him.

Lia is a physicist completing her post-doc at the University of Hamburg. She immigrated with the hope of fulfilling her dream to be a researcher, a dream that was stunted by the lack of job opportunities in Greece. Lia describes her early days as an immigrant in Hamburg, a period that was characterized by loneliness, adjustment, and difficulties in her professional environment.

Vasilis is a co-owner of a Greek bar in Hamburg and works part time in the Deutsche Post. Several years ago, he made the decision to immigrate from Thessaloniki with his now ex-wife and two children in search of a better future. Upon arrival, Vasilis found himself in a completely new environment. He experienced significant difficulties, especially with learning the language and grappling with separating from his wife.

Kostas currently works as a laundry technician in Berlin. He was previously a business owner in Athens, but the Greek economic crisis forced his business into bankruptcy. Struggling with debts, Kostas decided to immigrate to Germany, believing he had no other choice. In the beginning, he strived to adapt, and with time, Kostas came to view Berlin as his new home.