“Keros – The island that speaks through images”

Photography and cinema workshop for Koufonisi students on Keros

The program proposes a multi-themed workshop for students at a school in Koufonisi, due to the island’s proximity to Keros. Keros is the closest inhabited island to Koufonisi and shares similarities in environment, climate, landscape, tradition, and the population. The program is centered around the values and significance of Cycladic culture, as it was shaped in ancient times, and its connections to modern life, as seen through the eyes of youth.

The goal of the program is to engage young people with the arts, particularly cinema and photography, to broaden their horizons. They will be encouraged to use their experiences, imagination, and creativity to produce film and photographic works. Koufonisi students face Keros daily, an island that has gained global attention recently due to significant archaeological discoveries, including the mystery of broken figurines and the remains of a major sacred center from the Early Cycladic period. These findings underline the historical significance of Keros and its connection to their own lives and culture.

In the first phase, students will be introduced to Keros’ history and the ongoing archaeological work. In the second phase, experts will introduce them to the basics of cinema and photography, teaching them about storytelling techniques, and creative expression. The third and fourth phases involve the creation of a photography exhibition, a cutout animation film, and a documentary about Keros, allowing students to explore past rituals and contemporary celebrations. Finally, in the fifth phase, the students will present their creations in an exhibition, demonstrating their work as curators, filmmakers, and photographers. These projects will showcase their understanding of the past and present, combining their cultural heritage with new forms of artistic expression. This workshop aims to help the young generation of Koufonisi recognize and celebrate their culture, history, and the significance of their cultural legacy through audiovisual media.