Private Project

A day through my eyes

Four stories shed light on the challenges and small victories of people with disabilities and autism. From the struggle to fit in at school, the lack of accessibility in the city, and the fight for employment, to the power of friendship, change begins when we see through someone else’s eyes.

Synopsis
Four poignant stories shed light on the diverse facets of life for individuals with disabilities and autism, underscoring the importance of acceptance and empathy. Two young newcomers, face the challenge of fitting into a new school environment, where mere courage isn’t enough to feel included. In the city, a lack of accessibility exposes everyday injustices often overlooked. The search for employment becomes a test of dignity and perseverance, while friendship and teamwork reveal how small gestures can lead to significant change. Through his quiet observations, Marios weaves together these stories, realizing that true change begins when we dare to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Every glance carries a struggle, every struggle brings us closer to understanding. The protagonists, individuals living with autism and disabilities, bring authenticity to their roles, reminding us that empathy and compassion are the foundations of an inclusive society.

  • Charalampos Kontopanagos
    Director
    Invoice
  • Charalampos Kontopanagos
    Producer
    Invoice
  • "ILIANTHOS" Social Center for persons with disabilities Gastouni ILIANTHOS
    Producer
  • realpeople studio
    Producer
  • Team of Educators Social Center for persons with disabilities, Gastouni ILIANTHOS
    Writer
  • George Halikias
    Sound Department
  • Georgina Roumania
    Script
  • Dimitris Tsaousakis
    Original Score
  • Marios P.
    Key Cast
    "Marios (kid)"
  • Dimitris Tsaousakis
    Key Cast
    "Father"
  • Giorgos Ziros
    Key Cast
    "Marios (adult)"
  • Andreas Iliakis
    Key Cast
    "Narrator (Marios)"
  • Katerina Nikolopoulou
    Key Cast
    "Bakery employee"
  • Aris Z.
    Key Cast
    "Unemployed man"
  • Anastasia Ch.
    Key Cast
    "Girl"
  • Marisia Aravani
    Key Cast
    "Teacher"
  • Panagiotis D.
    Key Cast
    "Newcomer 1"
  • Giorgos P.
    Key Cast
    "Newcomer 2"
  • Aggelos M.
    Key Cast
    "Bully"
  • Giorgios Papanikolopoulos
    Key Cast
    "Disabled man 1"
  • Nikos S.
    Key Cast
    "Disabled Man 2"
  • Konstantina Katsoulieri
    Key Cast
    "Passing Woman 1"
  • Vassiliki Labrinou
    Key Cast
    "Passing Woman 2"
  • Marinos A
    Key Cast
    "Disabled Football Player"
  • Ervin M.
    Key Cast
    "Football Player 1"
  • Lefteris L.
    Key Cast
    "Football Player 2"
  • Giorgos M.
    Key Cast
    "Disabled Coach"
  • Panagiotis Drakopoulos
    Key Cast
    "Coach Assistant"
  • realpeople studio
    Post Production
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Μια μέρα μέσα από τα μάτια μου
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Social, Human rights, Disability
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 10, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    Greece
  • Country of Filming:
    Greece
  • Language:
    Greek (Modern)
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital Super 35mm
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • 19th London Greek Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    June 24, 2025
    Honorable Mention for Short Fiction Film – Acting Code Awards
  • Bangkok Movie Awards
    Bankgok
    Thailand
    June 13, 2025
    Films on Disability Issues Bangkok Society of Film CRITICS' AWARD WINNER
  • Power24 International Film Festival
    Durban
    South Africa
    August 22, 2025
    Honorable Mention
  • Better Earth International Film Festival
    Kolkata, West Bengal
    India
    September 11, 2025
    Indian
    Monthly Winner in the Films on Disability Issue category AWARD WINNER
  • CHAMPION FILM SALON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
    Frisco, Texas
    United States
    September 25, 2025
    Honorable Mention
  • Greece International Film Festival
    Athens
    Greece
    September 27, 2025
    Semi Finalist
  • Festival International de Cinéma Adapté de Montréal (FICAM)
    Montréal
    Canada
    October 21, 2025
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
  • 13th Chania Film Festival
    Chania, Crete
    Greece
    October 23, 2025
    National Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Breaking Down Barriers
    Moscow
    Russian Federation
    November 7, 2025
    Russian Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Courage Film Festival 2025
    Berlin
    Germany
    November 7, 2025
    Semi Finalist
  • HUMAN SCREEN Festival
    Tunis
    Tunisia
    November 13, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Art Without Limit International Film Festival
    Prishtinë
    Kosovo
    December 1, 2025
    Nominee on Short Film CAtegory
  • International Festival "Reflection of Disability in Art"
    Thessaloniki
    Greece
    December 2, 2025
    Official Selection
  • ANATOLIAN FILM AWARDS
    Instanbul
    Turkey
    September 1, 2026
    Turkish
    Best Short Film On Disability Issue AWARD WINNER
  • Nafplio International Film Festival - Bridges
    Nafplio
    Greece
    December 6, 2025
    "We can do" AWARD WINNER
  • Epidaurus Film Festival
    Epidaurus
    Greece
    December 6, 2025
    CosmoCinema AWARD WINNER
  • Films That Move
    KIngston
    Jamaica
    January 7, 2026
    Central American Premiere
    Honorable Mention
  • Africa International Human Rights Film Festival
    Lagos
    Nigeria
    December 8, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Roma Short Film Festival
    Roma
    Italy
    December 11, 2025
    Best DisABILITY Film AWARD WINNER
Distribution Information
  • realpeople
    Sales Agent
    Country: Greece
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Charalampos Kontopanagos

Charalampos Kontopanagos is a film director, producer, and editor from Western Greece with over 20 years of experience in media, film, and music. He is the founder of RealPeople Studio, a production company involved in film, audio production, and live streaming since 2021.

He has directed and produced short films recognized in various international festivals. His work earned the Odysseus Award at the London Greek Film Festival and was officially selected at the 19th Athens International Film Festival and many more. He also won 1st prize at the International Deepex Video Awards, with his films screened at festivals such as the XI KO & Digital Solidarity Film Festival in Barcelona and the 7th Cape Town & Winelands International Film Festival.

In addition to film, Charalampos has contributed as a music composer for theatrical productions and has professional experience in journalism, advertising, and digital media management. He has worked as a head copywriter, chief editor, and web developer, gaining valuable skills in content creation and storytelling.

Charalampos studied Communication and Mass Media at Panteion Social and Political Sciences University in Athens and attended specialized film directing courses. His multi-disciplinary background adds depth to his creative work in independent cinema.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When the care center for individuals with disabilities and autism proposed this project, it immediately resonated with me. The aim was not just to highlight their lives, but to invite the audience to see them as they are—complex human beings—without resorting to pity or over-sentimentalization. I wanted to create a film that would challenge common stereotypes, avoid clichés, and reflect the hard truths of how society's behavior affects those who are often marginalized. The film is not about portraying these individuals as "problems," but instead as people navigating a world that frequently misunderstands them.

I hoped that the audience would walk away with a greater sense of thoughtfulness and kindness—an understanding that showing empathy toward people with disabilities and autism doesn’t require monumental effort, but just a shift in perspective. The film’s emotional impact is built from the performances of the real-life actors, rather than being manipulated by me. My goal was not to evoke tears or to push emotional buttons, but to let the stories resonate in a way that prompts reflection on how our behavior shapes the lives of others.

Working with actors who have autism or disabilities presented unique challenges, but those challenges also led to moments of incredible triumph. These actors were able to accomplish something they never thought possible, and that achievement became the emotional core of the film. It was a reminder to me that sometimes, what’s most important is creating an environment where people can rise to the occasion, even if the path there isn’t easy.

In terms of the film’s visual and auditory elements, I aimed for simplicity. I didn’t want the visuals or sound to overshadow the stories themselves. Every choice, from cinematography to sound design, was made to let the emotions flow naturally from the characters and their situations.

Although I don’t have a direct personal experience with disabilities, the film became a personal journey of understanding. The stories presented in this film speak to a broader societal message—that a little kindness can go a long way. Cinema, for me, is a tool for evoking change, and this film is an invitation to reconsider how we treat one another, particularly those who are most often overlooked.