Private Project

ONLY HUMAN II

People - Cultures - Destinies - one project. When art overcomes borders. The documentary series is showcasing the process by which the ONLY HUMAN team challenges stereotypes, and facilitates a learning and healing process grounded in dancing, singing and creating integrative music theater projects. The second part of Only Human throws oppressive highlights on the harrowing experiences with (sexual) violence, racism, depression and bullying that some of these young people had to go through. In touching pictures, however, he also shows how friendship and tolerance can help to heal wounds. Despite the depressing themes, the film has a hopeful message.
Together with professional coaches, social workers and artists they build bridges between people of different cultures through art. Only Human gives a voice to young people regardless of language, culture or religion. Through a creative process, we engage on par with each other and develop an understanding for each other and work together for a more diverse and inclusive society.

  • Katerina Giannakopoulou
    Director
  • Katerina Giannakopoulou
    Writer
  • Stephi Siebert music4everybody!e.V.
    Producer
  • Matteo Sant'Unione Impact Producer cineMars
    Producer
  • Participants of the integrative project
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    24 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Germany
  • Country of Filming:
    Germany
  • Language:
    English, German
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2,39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Human Rights Film Festival Berlin
    Berlin
    Germany
Distribution Information
  • Press Conforence 75th Festival de Cannes, Italien Pavilion
    Country: France
    Rights: Internet
Director Biography - Katerina Giannakopoulou

Katerina is a multidisciplinary artist, flamenco dancer, choreographer, writer and director of Greek origin living in Cologne, Germany. She is the founder of the institution “ARTS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE!” - connecting with international artists, filmmakers, associations and organizations with the aim of creating innovative performances and films that deal critically with socially relevant topics, raise awareness, and inform society about them over the long term.

Only Human 2 - 2022 (Experimental Documentary Short)
Director, Writer, Coach - Katerina Giannakopoulou
Production - cineMars & music4everybody! e.V.

Only Human 1 - 2021 (Experimental Documentary Short)
Director, Writer, Coach - Katerina Giannakopoulou
Production - cineMars & music4everybody! e.V.

The Tragedy of Domna Visvizi - 2020 (Experimental Film)
Director, Actress, Dancer, Producer - Katerina Giannakopoulou
Production Company - Greek Natural Videos

Pandemia - 2020 (Experimental Film)
Director, Dancer, Actress, Producer - Katerina Giannakopoulou
Production Company - Public Vision

DIALOG - 2019 (Music Video)
Director, Dancer, Producer - Katerina Giannakopoulou
Production Company - Public Vision

LINIE 18 - 2018 (Experimental Dance Film)
Director, Concept, Choreography, Dance - Katerina Giannakopoulou
Production Company - Greek Natural Videos

LOST & FOUND - 2018 (Dance Film)
Director, Dancer, Actress - Katerina Giannakopoulou -
Production Company - Greek Natural Videos

SEEKER - 2017 (Dance Film)
Director, Dancer, Actress - Katerina Giannakopoulou -
Production Company: Greek Natural Videos

TO FILAXTO - 2016 (Music Video)
Director, Dancer, Concept - Katerina Giannakopoulou
Producer: Greek Natural Videos

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

What does it mean to be human? Only human?!

Since 2015, I have been working hand in hand with the non profit association music4everybody! e.V., refugees and locals who come together in integrative art projects where they are given the opportunity to be free and independent of what society imposes on them and all of us.

In the current situation, this is more necessary than ever before.
In mid-2022, more than 100 million people worldwide are fleeing. More than ever before. They are escaping war, violence and persecution, mostly within their own countries.

Through a learning and healing process, our art projects give these people the opportunity to develop themselves by transforming their often very traumatic experiences into personal growth, strength and purpose. This gives courage to like-minded people to open up as well.

Only through their voices can we become active and take a stand - against racism, abuse and violence.

Through the artistic and creative process (dancing, singing, creating), we engage on par with each other and develop an understanding for each other and work together for a more diverse and inclusive society.

The documentary itself is a testament of how creating artwork based on real life experiences and emotions is cathartic and healing. It was important to me that the creation of the film itself be a healing process for the participants and not a situation in which they might be re traumatized. In this sense, the film is both and functions as an artistic work and process, which includes all the participants as well as the viewer. Watching the film, hopefully, will make the viewer slow down enough to really absorb its human impact and realize how much we all want the exact same things - no matter where we are from, or which side of the camera lens we are on. We all want to be seen, heard and respected, whilst being allowed to retain our dignity, love and be loved.

Ultimately, my hope is that “Only Human” allows us a moment, through artistic expression, to be reminded that we are not so significantly different from others. The universal language of art and music lets us communicate and maybe share a space where freedom is accessible and boundaries don’t exist, aiming towards and re-imagining a better world … together.