ATHENS PRELUDE - A City of Echoes and Transformation | ENDLESS LOOP 07

Occasionally, the impulse to escape is not a choice but a necessity. In April 2024, this undeniable need drew me to Athens.

It is a preliminary visual exploration of the city, captured as a phenomenological record using a motion-picture approach.

Mythos, Memory, Crisis

In Athens Prelude - A City of Echoes and Transformation, I embark on a deeply personal and creative journey to the heart of Greece's capital—a city that bridges myth, memory, and crisis. This film is a preliminary visual exploration of Athens, a city profoundly reshaped by the financial crisis and subsequent decay, yet brimming with resilience and creative energy.

Shot during a brief visit in April 2024, this phenomenological study captures the layered complexity of Athens, where vibrant street art enlivens weathered walls and ancient ruins echo the passage of time. The film reflects on the interplay of destruction and renewal, past and present, exploring how these forces shape both the city and my own creative vision.

Using a minimalist yet versatile setup—filming with the Nikon D850 paired with the iconic TOKINA 28-70mm Angenieux ("ANGIE") lens—I aimed to bring out the raw textures and dynamic contrasts of this extraordinary city.

To provide a more holistic view of the city, I also employed a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone to capture aerial footage, showcasing Athens’ urban sprawl and the interplay of modernity and antiquity from above.

This journey was more than a return after nearly 25 years; it was a confrontation with transformation—of Athens, of myself, and a map of my creative path. Yet, this narrative is only the beginning. In October 2024, I revisited Athens to continue this exploration, a story that will unfold in my next filmic chapter.

Key Themes Explored in This Film:

The tension between destruction and renewal in urban landscapes
The interplay of myth and modernity in Athens' identity
Creativity and resilience amidst cultural and social transformation


Reflections / Transcript:

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FILM CREDITS:

Direction and Cinematography: Theodor (Doc) Yemenis (@TheodorYemenis)
Website: [www.photovisionproject.com](http://www.photovisionproject.com)
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: TOKINA AT-X PRO 28-70mm f2.6-2.8 Angenieux ("ANGIE")
Drone Footage: DJI Mini 3 Pro
Editing: DaVinci Resolve 19 Studio
Music: Ambient Drone Soundscape ( Starcrasher )

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Structure/Parts:

00:00 - Start
00:05 - Intro
00:59 - Kerameikos
01:49 - Exarcheia
02:20 - Polytechneio
02:49 - Monastiraki
03:29 - Plaka
03:59 - Anafiotika
04:29 - Koukaki
05:25 - Street Art
06:20 - STRETTO