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Concrete Summer

Vasilis, a cheerful young but tired food delivery guy, dreams of taking his girlfriend, Katerina, on a much-needed summer vacation after four years without one. But when his monthly pay comes up short and he accidentally fries their AC (and the landlord's), their vacation plans go up in smoke. Katerina, a struggling florist fed up with the relentless heat, is ready to give up the relationship with him. Desperate to keep their spirits and relationship from melting, Vasilis embarks on a short journey, salvaging and buying cheap supplies to create a secret, rooftop oasis, bringing the vacation to them. Their magical night under the stars is blissful, but the harsh reality of their grumpy landlord quickly brings their temporary paradise to an end, and the cherry on top, an eviction.

  • Damianos Branidis
    Director
  • Damianos Branidis
    Writer
  • Maciej Ślesicki
    Producer
  • Alexandros Tsitsos
    Key Cast
    "Vasilis"
  • Eleni Georgakopoulou
    Key Cast
    "Katerina "
  • Christos Strepkos
    Key Cast
    "Mr Christos "
  • Fanis Diplas
    Key Cast
    "Mr Kostas (Boss)"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Τσιμεντένιο Καλοκαίρι
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 25 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 1, 2026
  • Country of Origin:
    Greece
  • Country of Filming:
    Greece
  • Language:
    Greek (Modern)
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Blackmagic RAW
  • Aspect Ratio:
    15:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Warsaw Film School
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Damianos Branidis

Damianos Branidis screenwriter and director was born and raised in Greece where he is also based currently, working worldwide. Shaped by involvement in independent feats including Producing and shooting music videos and short films aside his friends and collaborators Giannis Varlamis, Haris Kostogloudis like “Time Transfigured" (2023), "Tou Nekrou Aderfou" (2027). Graduated from Warsaw Film School where he wrote, produced and directed 2 short films, “The Cross (2025)” and “Concrete Summer (2026)”. His work emphasizes lived-in dialogues and performances focused on working class problems.

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Director Statement

At its core, the film explores the emotional distance that exhaustion, despair, and the working-class need for an escape can create within a relationship after years of just trying to make ends meet. Vasilis will try to solve all these problems by creating
a makeshift oasis on his rooftop, but it won’t last for long... All of this is portrayed with a touch of irony and humor

The idea was born from the summers I witnessed around me - and naturally, my own. Summers are defined by scorching heatwaves, sweat, the lack of money for air conditioning, the relentless roar of the city, and hopes for a beautiful getaway that slowly fade away. Money was scarce, but the craving for a bit of cool air and a moment of carefreeness was far greater, leaving creativity and improvisation as our only weapons

"What happens when the daily struggle goes unrewarded? When is there no summer break after years of hard work?”
– DAMIANOS BRANIDIS