Rock 'n' Roll, Damn It!
A garage punk enthusiast, Vag, is determined to form the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll band, but his bandmates don’t follow through as expected.
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Yorgos KeramydasDirector
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Yorgos KeramydasWriter
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Yorgos KeramydasProducer
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Vangelis (Fuzz Vag) TsakmakisKey Cast
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Thanasis (Nathan Black) MavridisKey Cast
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:Comedy, Music
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Runtime:5 minutes 13 seconds
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Completion Date:March 3, 2025
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Production Budget:50 EUR
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Country of Origin:Greece
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Country of Filming:Greece
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Language:Greek (Modern)
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Black & White
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:Yes - Hellenic Open University
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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
I was born and raised in Ptolemaida, Greece. One of my earliest and most defining experiences with cinema was at the age of 12 when I watched Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock. That film left a strong impression on me and continues to influence my aesthetic. I am particularly drawn to "dark" films that incorporate elements of mystery and suspense, something I strive to integrate into my own work.
I have created three student short films, undertaking all stages of production— from scriptwriting and storyboarding to directing, cinematography, editing, composing and recording the music, and color correction. My first film, Play Deaf (2023), was submitted to various festivals, winning several awards, and was selected to be screened at the Drama International Short Film Festival as part of a special showcase of student films from the Hellenic Open University.
In addition to filmmaking, I have been involved in digital journalism, writing for an online newspaper, and I have explored the management of e-commerce stores. I have also engaged with graphic design, website development, sales/advertising, and computer technology. Outside of my creative projects, I play bass in a rock band, blending music with my other artistic endeavors.
This film was created as part of the Film Studies: Screenwriting, Filmmaking, and Research (SKI) program at the Hellenic Open University, under the course Cinematography I: Introduction to the Basics of Cinematic Visual Storytelling. The assignment challenged us to craft a short audiovisual narrative inspired by Coffee and Cigarettes (2003), with an emphasis on composition, lighting, framing, and visual storytelling techniques.
I chose to approach the project by exploring the state of rock ‘n’ roll today—a world where the passion for music is often overshadowed by disinterest, distractions, and a lack of true commitment. Unlike past decades, where forming a band was a rite of passage, today it’s easy to be overwhelmed by modern life's priorities, obligations, and fleeting enthusiasm. True dedication to rock ‘n’ roll now requires a deep love for the craft, a willingness to push forward even without financial reward or widespread recognition.
Visually, I adopted a static, observational style, much like Coffee and Cigarettes, allowing the framing to highlight the characters’ dynamics. I kept the lighting simple but deliberate, emphasizing a sense of realism while also capturing the protagonist’s growing frustration through subtle visual cues. The film leans into minimalist aesthetics—controlled compositions, restrained camera movement, and a focus on character expressions rather than flashy cinematography.
At its core, this is a film about passion versus apathy—about the struggle to hold onto something meaningful in a world that doesn’t seem to care. It’s about that absurd yet deeply personal moment when you realize that no one else is as invested in your dream as you are. And ultimately, it’s about the humor and tragedy of trying to create something… when no one is there to play along.