Summary
- GSC criticizes the separation of crew and independent jury awards
- The Society argues that the decision reduces the visibility of artistic departments and emerging filmmakers
- The objection concerns both the Cinematography Award and GSC’s own independent award
- GSC stresses that filmmaking is a collective process and calls for equal recognition of film professionals
- The 49th DISFF ran from September 6 to 12, 2026, shortly before the Festival marks half a century of history
The Greek Society of Cinematographers (GSC) has criticized the decision by the Drama International Short Film Festival to present the crew awards and independent jury awards separately, arguing that the choice reduces the visibility of the people behind the films.
GSC, which is participating in the Drama Film Festival for the 11th consecutive year, has taken a public stand against this year’s awards structure, focusing both on the Cinematography Award and on the independent award it presents to an emerging cinematographer.
The intervention carries particular weight because it concerns the way one of Greece’s most important short film festivals recognizes individual creative contributors. The 49th DISFF took place from September 6 to 12, 2026, shortly before the Festival marks half a century of history, while this year it further strengthened its international profile with BAFTA qualification and by hosting the annual meeting of the European Film Academy’s Short Film Network.
The post:
The Greek Society of Cinematographers (GSC) is present at the Drama Film Festival for the 11th consecutive year, actively supporting emerging filmmakers.
We firmly believe in the collective nature of filmmaking. Every professional, through their own field of expertise, contributes inspiration and knowledge on an equal level.
We do not accept divisions, and we are speaking at this moment as the Greek Society of Cinematographers not only about the independent award that we, as an association, present to an emerging cinematographer, but also about the Cinematography Award itself, which directly concerns our association.
For this reason, we condemn this year’s decision by the Festival to separate the awards into a “National Crew Awards and Independent Jury Awards Ceremony,” moving it to an inappropriate midday time slot.
This action diminishes the value of the contribution made by artistic crew members, especially at a Festival such as Drama, which should be safeguarding the international stature of its national awards while at the same time ensuring, by every possible means, the visibility of the younger members of our film community.
In addition, presenting all crew awards and independent awards during the closing ceremony preserves the sense of celebration shared by the entire community of competing filmmakers, winners or not, which now risks being lost.
A similar practice had been attempted in the past, but following protests, including our own, the Festival’s administration reversed its decision.
It is regrettable that the same mistake is being repeated.
The practice followed by the Thessaloniki Film Festival should not be considered a model, since, due to its size, the Thessaloniki Film Festival has the means to provide appropriate publicity for all of its activities and to highlight its awards regardless of when they are presented.
We hope the Festival’s 50th anniversary will be a celebration worthy of everyone, with everyone included!
What we think
GSC’s objection opens up a substantial discussion that goes beyond the scheduling of an awards ceremony. In cinema, public recognition is not only about the winner of a category, but also about the visibility of the discipline that person represents.
Separating award ceremonies may offer organizational advantages, but when it results in significantly less exposure for specific creative disciplines, it is understandable that it generates criticism. For a Festival that continues to strengthen its international standing, giving equal visibility to all key contributors behind a film is part of the prestige of the awards themselves.
Frequently asked questions
What is GSC criticizing at the Drama Film Festival?
The Greek Society of Cinematographers objects to the separation of awards for artistic crew members and independent juries from the main closing ceremony, arguing that this reduces their visibility.
Did a separate awards ceremony ultimately take place?
Yes. On the morning of September 12, the National Competition awards and independent jury awards were presented at the Alexandros open-air cinema, while the main closing ceremony followed later that evening.
Why does the issue particularly concern GSC?
Because the ceremony includes the official Cinematography Award, while GSC also presents its own independent award aimed at supporting emerging cinematographers.
Which edition of the Festival took place this year?
The 49th Drama International Short Film Festival took place in 2026, from September 6 to 12, shortly before the Festival marks half a century of history.
