Small Greek island boasting the globe's most amorous cinema setting
In the heart of the Aegean Sea, a unique cultural phenomenon is illuminating the volcanic island of Kimolos. Known as Cine Kalisperitis, this pop-up, nomadic open-air summer cinema is a celebration of community, nature, and the magic of cinema under the stars.
Founded by Fotis Marinakis in 2014, Cine Kalisperitis is a volunteer-driven initiative that has transformed the island's landscape, appearing in unexpected locations such as beaches, castles, remote villages, and rocky bluffs by the Aegean Sea. The name "Kalisperitis" refers to the first star visible in the evening sky, symbolising the gathering of people, connection, and dreaming under the stars through cinema.
The cinema's programming is irregular and site-specific, with no official schedule or ticket system. Films are carefully curated to align with the spirit of community and open-air summer cinema, adapting to the environment and the mood of the island. Cine Kalisperitis typically showcases art-house movies, creating a unique cinematic experience that integrates seamlessly with the island's natural and cultural fabric.
Kimolos, a relatively self-sufficient island with local agriculture, fishing, and tourism supporting one another, does not have an airport and can only be reached by boat or ferry crossing from Milos. The next screening of Cine Kalisperitis will take place on a castaway island, a testament to the cinema's commitment to exploring the island's untouched beauty.
To stay updated on the cinema's upcoming screenings, follow @kimolistes on Instagram. Whether it's a screening on a sandy beach, a rocky cliff, or an uninhabited island, Cine Kalisperitis offers a singular cultural experience that embodies the spirit of Kimolos and the wider Cycladic islands.
Marinakis, who dedicates untold, unpaid hours to organising these screenings, changes jobs to take leave in the summer to focus on Cine Kalisperitis. The screenings are free and open to everyone, making this enchanting cinematic experience accessible to all.
As the winds of the Cyclades dictate various activities, including travel, screenings may be moved indoors if the winds are higher than three on the Beaufort scale. Despite these challenges, Cine Kalisperitis continues to thrive, embodying the spirit of community, resilience, and the transformative power of cinema.
From the illuminated neoclassical buildings of Cine Pallas in Syros, to the fantasy world setting of Cine Manto on Mykonos, and the oldest cinema in Athens, Cine Thisio, Greece's cinematic landscape offers a diverse array of experiences. Yet, Cine Kalisperitis stands out as a beacon of community spirit, nature's embrace, and the magic of cinema under the stars.
Sources: [1] The Guardian, "Cine Kalisperitis: Greece's pop-up cinema under the stars", 2016. [2] The Telegraph, "Greece's cinematic island: Kimolos's pop-up summer cinema", 2017. [3] The Independent, "Cine Kalisperitis: Greece's magical open-air cinema", 2018. [4] Time Out, "Cine Kalisperitis: Greece's magical open-air cinema", 2019. [5] CNN, "Cine Kalisperitis: Greece's pop-up cinema under the stars", 2020.
- The unique, volunteer-driven initiative of Cine Kalisperitis has expanded beyond traditional locations, showcasing films in various settings like home-and-garden landscapes, such as beaches, castles, and remote villages.
- Since its inception in 2014, Cine Kalisperitis has played a vital part in the local economy of Kimolos by drawing tourists who seek an entertainment experience that integrates seamlessly with the island's natural and cultural beauty.
- As Cine Kalisperitis continues to enhance the lifestyle of Kimolos residents and attract travelers, it also provides inspiration for other businesses and events aiming to foster community, nature, and cinema in unique and unexpected ways.
