Where The Paper Boats Go
“Even the most fragile paper boats, can carry the weight our most profound memories.”
In the wake of a harrowing event, Jake, grapples with his mental health. As he navigates the complex terrains of grief, family dynamics, and the intricacies of friendship, his support network endeavours to ease his journey. Jake has to confront a profound realisation: the mystery of what lies beyond life is a path he must tread alone. This film delves into the challenge of acceptance faced by those left behind and the nuanced process of healing in the aftermath of loss.
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Konstantinos XanthopoulosDirector
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Konstantinos XanthopoulosWriter
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Harry DoolanKey Cast"Jake"
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Carrie-Ann SimmondsKey Cast"Georgia"
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Ant WrightKey Cast"Liam"
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Kate HintonKey Cast"Dr. Wilson (Therapist)"
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Marie HammKey Cast"Catherine (Jake’s Mum)"
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Panagiotis MarkatatosCinematographer / DOP
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Iphigenia TheodoridisEditors
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Nikos AnastasiadisEditors
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Dimitris ManousiakisColourist
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Nektarios KaranikasVFX Artist
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Anastasia PamporiAssistant Director
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ErmisMusic
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Theodoris NastosSoundtrack Vocal Performance
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George ChatziantonisSoundtrack Mixing Engineer
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George KosmidisSound Design
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Leonardo BrkićSound Recordist
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Anastasia PamporiBTS Photographers
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Panagiotis MarkatatosBTS Photographers
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Sachini H RajapakseSubtitling
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On8milFilm Processing and Telecine
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Konstantinos XanthopoulosProducer
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Frenel Post Production ServicesDCP Mastering
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Project Type:Short, Student
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Genres:Drama, Queer, LGBTQ+
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Runtime:9 minutes 51 seconds
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Completion Date:May 11, 2024
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Country of Origin:United Kingdom
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Country of Filming:United Kingdom
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital, Super 8mm
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Aspect Ratio:4:3
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes - University of Kent - School of Arts
Konstantinos (Kostas) Xanthopoulos is an indie filmmaker and visual artist from Thessaloniki. After moving to Canterbury, he studied Multimedia Technology and Design at the University of Kent, where he honed his skills in projection mapping and mixed media, combining traditional art with modern technology. He has exhibited his work at Studio 3 Gallery and is currently completing his Master’s in Film with Practice. His short film Where the Paper Boats Go explores themes of loss, mental health, and resilience through a queer lens, celebrating the strength in vulnerability.
“‘Where the Paper Boats Go’ is a cinematic voyage, a visual poem that navigates the turbulent waters of human emotion, identity, and the intricate journey of healing. This film is a narrative with the universal themes of loss, mental health, and resilience through a uniquely queer lens.
The film meticulously weaves themes of remembrance, the afterlife, and the fragility of our existence, akin to paper boats adrift in the vast sea of life. It’s an allegory that resonates deeply, touching on the shared vulnerabilities that unite us, while also celebrating the individuality that defines us. The narrative is not just a story, but a journey through the ebbs and flows of the human psyche, exploring the potential for connection and understanding in our darkest hours.
As a director and member of the LGBTQ+ community, my vision was to create a space for reflection, to stir the depths of the audience’s hearts, and to invite them to embark on this journey with Jake. From the isolating nature of grief to the tentative steps towards healing, the film mirrors the tenacity and perseverance of the human spirit. It’s a testament to the power of memory, the enduring nature of love, and the indelible ink of our experiences that stain the paper boats of our existence.
Through ‘Where the Paper Boats Go,’ I aim to craft a narrative that not only delves into the depths of mental health struggles but also illuminates the path to healing as one that is steeped in understanding, acceptance, and the transformative power of cherished memories. This film is a celebration of queer resilience, a poignant reminder that even the most fragile paper boats can carry the weight of our most profound stories and emotions. It’s more than a film; it’s an invitation to navigate the profound seas of identity, mental health, and healing, and a tribute to the strength found in vulnerability and the beauty that emerges when we allow ourselves to remember, feel, and ultimately, heal.”