There are some people who win you over on the first approach. No, they are not looking to impress you or impose themselves on you. They simply activate within you the intimacy mechanisms that unlock at once every secured locker of catholicity that glimmers in interpersonal relationships before they can be put to the test of time. Simply, effortlessly, with an existential consequence that seems unbearable for many. But it is entirely natural for those initiated into the codes of immediacy to which the originals are attuned.
That's how I felt when I first talked to Manolis the Daponte. Disarmingly simple and authentic, without resorting to an easily digestible idiosyncratic populism, without the fudges that some people inherit from the various stages of life.
Okay man, now we're talking together, the after is another matter, let it bring what it is to bring the moment. That's how I entered Manolis« world. A world of extras and protagonists, assistants and props, moments frozen in time and others that got moving due to circumstance. »You can't pick and choose in our profession. Whatever comes up," he confides, with an honesty that doesn't seek to smooth out the corners.
As it turned out, once upon a time, his participation in the film teams of George Didymiotis, on the island where he grew up. And when the person you consider an inspiration for your life arises, the notes begin to climb to the highest scales of imagination. Until it becomes reality. We said, what time doesn't bring, the moment does.
The following is the interview of Manolis Daponte in Kythera.News, for his participation in the film teams of the Kythira High School.
Q. Manolis, where can I find you, what are you doing these days?;
-Currently, I am working as a camera assistant for the new ERT series, «Postcards». It is a 12-episode production that will debut in October.
Q. I see that you have chosen a professional career in the industry. How much did George Didymiotis and the Kythera High School film teams contribute to this?;
-Before Didi came, I already had some background in the industry. I was involved as extra in documentary during my childhood. Of course, George gave me the extra push through the groups. It gave me inspiration, it helped me to prioritize the whole process of making a film. Also, I consider very important, the history of cinema, which I learned from Didymiotis.
Q. What was the impact of cinema on a young boy growing up in the chirpy microcosm?;
–Kythera is a place where few things move in winter. So, cinema was a kind of refuge for me, so I could channel my creativity there and fill my hours physically.
Q. In which films of the project did you participate? What is your role?;
-I have participated in the Swallows and in World Mad. In the Swallows I was involved in almost everything. Camera, direction, lighting, editing. In World Mad I limited myself to editing.
Q. What impressed you about the whole experience?;
-I think that the photography department is my department. I just, for now, don't feel ready to go down that path. I feel like it's too soon, it is not yet time for the next step. But I learn a lot from the photographers I work with on camera. After all, in what I do, there is not always a predetermined process. You work and whatever comes up. Many times, you don't have the luxury of choice, it is the developments that choose for you.
Q. What is cinema for you?;
–Cinema for me, is the great directors. Kubrick, Nolan. Take Nolan's Tenet, for example. It's a seminar on how to make a film. Her photography, in particular, is masterful.
Q. What about the series? I have the feeling that in recent years in our country, the level of productions has improved. They look more sophisticated.
-It is. And in this, played a big role the pandemic and the quarantine. People spent a lot of time at home looking for quality jobs. So, the channels had to seek the monetary resources to support their productions to present thoughtful work. As was the case in many cases, especially at ERT, which I know best.
Q. If you met up with the rest of the teams again, would you make something together?;
-Doubtless. Besides, and in the School (Manolis studied at Stavrakos School, with a scholarship he secured through his participation in the teams of Kythera High School), ...we used to make up little movies for our graduation papers. In the same way, there is always the possibility that during one of my sessions in Kythera, we might get together with the old ones and decide to make something. It would also be a good reason to stay longer on the island to dedicate myself to it.
Q. Kythera, of course, suffers a bit in terms of infrastructure. There is no cinema and in general the island is not very active in the film industry.
-Our island is geographically difficult. Lost somewhere in the about, a little far from everywhere. Of course, it always plays a role, to find the right timing, the right people, in the right place, at the right time. So something might actually come up.
Q. So what does Kythera need to bring everything and everyone a little closer together?;
-For me, a very good idea would be a multi-purpose space that would bring together many different arts. Cinema, music, painting. A place that brings together all the creative energy of the people of the place.
Q. How do you spend your free time? Do you have any hobbies?;
-I'm dealing with climbing, I climb walls, I climb mountains, I climb anything you can climb. I'm holding the bass and in a band. We play a little bit of everything. Rock, pop, punk.
Q. How did you find life in Athens? What do you see for the future?;
-The first contact was a small culture shock for me. Then, I adapted. I've been working steadily for a year and a half now that I've graduated and it's been going well for me. The city has its outlets, there are always things to do, so my life is full. For the future, we talked about it. Whatever comes up.
