One of the most vibrant and authentic cultural hubs in the Kythira region, the summer «Cine Portokalia» In Karava, residents risk being left in the dark this year. An open public dispute has erupted between the local Cultural Association and the municipal government, bringing to light a backdrop of anonymous complaints, prosecutorial interventions, and a bureaucratic «tower of Babel» that has already led to the cancellation of the first screenings and accompanying events.
Karava Association: «They’ve been ignoring us for two months—we’ve already missed the first screenings»
In a particularly pointed statement, the «Portokalia» Association of Karava He called on the Municipality of Kythira to fulfill its responsibilities, making it clear that the request for the customary transfer of the aforementioned Elementary School (Girls’ School) was submitted on time but remained on the back burner for two months without any official response.
This has already led to the cancellation of two screenings, as well as a series of related events (storytelling, a children’s book presentation, a nutrition seminar, and musical performances).
In response to «rumors» and «comments,» the Association clarified the parameters of its initiative:
Completely free for everyone, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture.
Legal Streaming Rights (rental films or partnerships with film festivals).
Taking Preventive and Safety Measures on site, with hazardous areas cordoned off.
Comprehensive fire safety planning: 5 fire extinguishers, 60 meters of hose, and 4 backpack sprayers at each screening.
«For the past 40 years, we have been taking care of the school through volunteer work and at our own expense,» the Association states, requesting—even at this late stage—the concession agreement to save the August festival.
The Deputy Mayor’s Response: «Stuck» Because of the District Attorney and the Urban Planning Department
The response from the Deputy Mayor for Culture and Tourism, Ms. Matina Varda, attempted to shift the blame outside the municipality. Ms. Varda rejected the accusations of indifference toward the association, emphasizing the municipality’s long-standing support for associations.
However, he revealed the real cause of the «blockage»: a a citizen's formal complaint to the prosecutor, which led to a preliminary investigation. The mayor was summoned to testify regarding whether the venue is legally licensed as a movie theater, while the prosecutor’s office has ordered an on-site inspection by the Piraeus Urban Planning Department—which, however, It hasn't even been scheduled yet.
«Until the preliminary investigation is completed, it is impossible for the venue to host the event,» notes the Deputy Mayor, adding that she suggested alternative venues to the Association and was expecting written instructions rather than a protest notice.
Questions That Need Answers
The municipal authority’s response, while invoking legality, leaves serious gaps and raises questions that require further investigation:
The policy of double standards: The municipality claims that it is «acting in accordance with the law» and is not handing over the school because the Urban Planning Department’s on-site inspection is still pending. However, this raises the question: All other municipal spaces, the old schools, squares, and buildings on Kythira where the municipality is organizing or making available for events this summer—do they have special, legal permits?; If the same strict standards were applied everywhere, the 90% cultural summer festival on the island would have to be canceled.
The two-month delay: The Deputy Mayor states that the on-site inspection by the Piraeus Urban Planning Department is still pending. Why did the Municipality leave the Association’s request unanswered for two months, instead of immediately notifying «Portokalia» in writing from the very first week regarding the legal obstacle, so that another solution could be sought in a timely manner and the July screenings would not be canceled? Did the Municipality’s Technical Department conduct an on-site inspection of the Parthenagogio complex, and if so, when, and what report did it prepare?;
The «weapon» of an anonymous complaint: The ease with which a complaint alleging the obstruction of a free, voluntary activity can be accepted sets a dangerous precedent for Kythira. By this logic, any malicious individual could, with an anonymous letter, «shut down» any event on the island, forcing the municipality to back down immediately so that elected officials are not «legally exposed.».
- And most importantly: What exactly is the content of this letter that managed to mobilize the entire apparatus of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Urban Planning Department? What is the rationale behind the preliminary investigation ordered by the prosecutor?;
The public disclosure of these documents is not merely a matter of formal notification. It is the only antidote to mistrust, rumors, and attempts to intimidate volunteers. If the complaint concerns genuine and substantiated security issues, the public must be made aware of them. But if it is a frivolous, petty, or politically motivated maneuver that uses bureaucracy as a weapon to undermine an active association, then the veil of anonymity turns the Municipality into its unwitting (or willing) accomplice.
The municipal government must break free from the mold of vague reassurances. Transparency is not à la carte. If they want to convince people that they are «acting in accordance with the law,» let them bring all the facts to light. Otherwise, their silence will confirm what the whole island is whispering: that the Cine Portokalia fell victim to petty expediency. The association has both a duty and a right to have at its disposal as soon as possible—even through legal channels— all relevant documents that will confirm or refute the allegations regarding the ban on using the space.
The Siné Portokalia is not a for-profit business; it is the volunteer spirit of the people of Karavas in action. Kythera.News is waiting to see if the «golden mean» Ms. Varda refers to will be found promptly and in practice, and above all, whether the municipal government intends to support this cultural institution that honors Kythera.
The following are the related posts:
Portokalia Karava Association of Kythira
Cancellation of «Cine Portokalia» Screenings? ;
Friends,
Lately, you’ve been asking about the screening schedule for the summer “Cine Portokalia” festival, since the movie theater in Karava has been opening in early July for the past six years.
Unfortunately, Karava is in danger of being left without a movie theater this summer. As we do every year, we sent a request to the municipality asking them to grant us use of the Karava school building for screenings and some small events. Two months later, we have not received a response, except for some verbal indications that the mayor is refusing to grant the space—as has been the case every year (ever since we were children)—to the Portokalia Association.
We have repeatedly requested a meeting with the relevant official or the mayor himself, but we have not received a response. Time is running out, and the screenings are being canceled. Two screenings have already been canceled, and at the same time, the accompanying events (storytelling, a children’s book presentation, a nutrition seminar, and several musical performances) have also been canceled. We are therefore in the unfortunate position of having to inform you that, unless something changes immediately—as has happened in other cases involving the use of municipal space—Cine Portokalia will be canceled for this year.
This post, in addition to serving as an informational letter to the dozens of movie fans who have been asking us, also serves as an open letter to the city council, the local mayor, or whoever is in charge, asking them to finally send us the concession agreement so that we might at least make it in time for August.
And because there have been rumors, comments, and an anonymous complaint regarding Cine Portokalia, we would like to use this letter to provide information and clarify certain issues.
– The cinema’s events are and have always been free for everyone, young and old.
– It has received a small grant from the Ministry of Culture, which recognized our association’s efforts by placing «Cine Portokalia» under its auspices.
– The films we screen have secured screening rights, either through partnerships with educational initiatives and film festivals, or by renting them.
– In addition to screenings, the cinema’s activities include a film workshop for children, which has produced films that have been entered in and won awards at festivals around the world.
– Portokalia has taken precautions by cordoning off any potentially dangerous areas on the school’s beautiful grounds with tape, especially those where someone might be hit by rocks or branches.
– Specifically regarding fire safety, we have five fire extinguishers scattered throughout the premises each year, 60 meters of hose, and four backpack sprayers.
– For the past 40 years, the Portokalia Association has been taking care of the village school through volunteer work and financial contributions, to the extent permitted (minor repairs to windows, window frames, doors, etc.).
All these years, we’ve been working to ensure that the school grounds are safe and well-maintained, and to achieve this, many of us—ranging in age from 5 to 85—have been working hard. That is why we hope this delay is merely a temporary setback and is not due to senseless, unfounded, and, of course, anonymous comments. We await developments with bated breath and remain at the disposal of the relevant authorities for an on-site meeting to resolve any issues. We are willing, as always, to correct any issues pointed out to us on-site in order to expedite the process and finally begin the seventh year of Cine.
Portokalia Karava Association of Kythira
—
Deputy Mayor for Culture, Matina Varda
Response regarding the film screenings of *Portokalia* at the “Parthenagogio” (Upper Elementary School) in Karava.
The Municipality of Kythira has consistently supported this initiative, as well as a range of other cultural events throughout the island, without the slightest political implication. This year, the Municipality’s cultural events are taking place throughout the island, as outlined in the attached program. We support culture and strive to pass on our love for it to the younger generation.
Theatrical performances were held before the end of the school year in collaboration with the island’s two elementary schools and the junior high school so that nearly the entire student body could attend the plays. Two performances were also held in Chora, Kythira, and in Potamos, Kythira, to make it easier for everyone to attend.
The municipal elections were held in 2023, and our municipality’s support for the Festival continued for the next two years.
Any organization that requests support from the Municipality receives it—and more than enough—either as direct financial assistance or to cover expenses for sound systems, lighting, etc. The Municipality has never refused to support cultural events, regardless of the venue or location where they take place.
It is therefore inappropriate and, in my opinion, unfair to accuse us of indifference toward culture or volunteerism, of political expediency, or of parochialism.
This year, however, there is a very significant development regarding the film screenings in Karava. Following a complaint filed by a citizen with the District Attorney, the Mayor was summoned to testify as part of an ongoing preliminary investigation into whether the venue in question a) is legally licensed as a venue for film screenings and b) whether it possesses all the necessary approvals and permits for this specific activity. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested an on-site inspection by the Piraeus Urban Planning Authority, which has not yet been scheduled. Consequently, until the on-site inspection is conducted and the preliminary investigation is completed, it is impossible for this venue to host the event in question. The Municipality and the Municipal Authority are acting in accordance with the law.
We are in talks with the association to find a solution—if a legal solution exists—because no elected official or municipal employee can or should be left without legal protection, since the matter has been referred to the District Attorney. Our most recent communication took place last Thursday, when additional documents were requested so that the movie screening could take place at an alternative venue. The truth is that I was expecting the email I asked them to send with some guidelines for finding a middle ground, not this announcement.
As for the beautiful Parthenagogio building in Karava, moreover, our municipality has completed a comprehensive restoration and revitalization plan, and in September we will inaugurate a state-of-the-art movie theater in Mitata.
I invite everyone to come out and enjoy the many cultural events this summer—whether they’re funded entirely by the Municipality or supported by it financially and in other ways! Have a great summer!
Matina Varda, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Tourism of the Municipality of Kythira
