The Levadia International Film Festival (LIFF), also known as the Muses Film Awards, is an
annual event that celebrates both independent and major films. This festival takes place in
the historical city of Livadia, Greece, a location rich in cultural heritage and mythological
significance. The festival is named after the nine Muses of Greek mythology, who are
considered goddesses of the arts and inspire creativity across various disciplines.
The Muses Film Awards, part of the Levadia International Film Festival, is a prestigious
event that celebrates excellence in filmmaking and storytelling. This festival aims to
provide a platform for filmmakers from around the globe to showcase their work, engage
with audiences, and connect with industry professionals. The awards recognize various
categories, including best feature film, best short film, best director, and more, highlighting
the diverse talents within the cinematic arts.
Overview of the Festival
The festival spans three days and includes a variety of activities designed to promote
filmmakers and their works. These activities encompass daily screenings, showcases,
workshops, seminars, a historical tour, a VIP gala, a red-carpet award ceremony, and an
after-party. The event aims to provide exposure and recognition for filmmakers by
showcasing their work to a diverse audience that includes industry professionals, critics,
and fellow filmmakers.
The Levadia International Film Festival is known for its commitment to promoting
independent cinema and fostering creativity among filmmakers. It serves as a gathering
point for artists, critics, and enthusiasts who share a passion for film. The festival typically
features screenings of selected films, panel discussions with industry experts, and
networking opportunities that can lead to collaborations and future projects.
Judging Process
Entries are evaluated by a panel of judges composed of industry veterans, including
directors, producers, cinematographers, and critics. The judging process emphasizes not
only technical proficiency but also creativity and originality in storytelling. This rigorous
evaluation ensures that only the most deserving films receive recognition at the Muses
Film Awards.
The jury members have been selected so far:
Paul Kotrotsios – Founder and Chairman of the Hellenic News of America newspaper
since 1987; also the Founder and President of the Hermes Expo International.
Fenia Adamidi – Director at the Hellenic Republic (Ministry of Development & Investments,
General Secretariat for Research & Innovation); Philologist and Writer.
Takis Chrysikakos – A famous Greek actor with a career spanning four decades, he is a
multifaceted figure in Greek theater and cinema.
Philip Dennis Modinos – Award-winning world famous dramatic tenor, classical pianist,
and conductor (Royal British Academy Opera).
Nassos Vakalis – Emmy Award-winning Greek –American animator, storyboard artist, and
animation director.
Andrei Muntean – Founder and CEO of WOCOO. WOCOO is a social network built around
video on demand, based on relevance rather than advertising revenue, based in Vienna.
Nicolaos D. Kanellos – Minister Plenipotentiary A Class (Diplomat/Ambassador),
“Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.”
Exsekias Trivoulides – Award-winning Greek-American sculptor, painter, mosaicist, and
jeweler.
Justine Frangouli-Argyris – Award-winning Greek-Canadian writer and journalist.
Charalampos Persidis – Music video clip director and producer for more than 40 years.
Impact on Filmmakers
Winning an award at the Muses Film Awards can significantly impact a filmmaker’s career.
It provides visibility within the industry and can lead to further opportunities for distribution
or funding for future projects. Additionally, it helps build credibility and prestige for both
individual filmmakers and their works.
The Muses Film Awards at the Levadia International Film Festival exemplify a commitment
to celebrating artistic achievement in cinema. By recognizing diverse talents across
various categories, the festival not only honors current filmmakers but also inspires future
generations to pursue their creative passions.
Cultural Significance of Livadia
Livadia is not only significant for its film festival but also for its rich historical context tied to
ancient Greek mythology—specifically related to the Muses who were believed to reside
nearby on Mount Helicon. The city is located close to several important historical sites
including:
The Oracle of Trophonius
The Lion of Chaeronea
Various ancient temples
These sites contribute greatly to Livadia’s cultural heritage making it an ideal backdrop for
an artistic celebration like LIFF.
• “Two-time Oscar-winning film director Alexander Payne and Congresswoman
Carolyn Maloney strongly support the Muses Film Awards.”
• The Municipality of Livadia, along with Mayor Mr. Dimitris Karamanis, the regional
administration of Central Greece, the Chamber of Boeotia, the Cultural Association
of Livadia, and especially the residents of the city, as well as important local
institutions and trade agents, all support this significant effort to promote Hellenism
internationally.
The Muses Film Awards – Levadia International Film Festival,is supported by a
dedicated and talented team of professionals who bring their expertise from various fields
to ensure the festival’s success. Below is an overview of the key members of the team:
Demetrios Katis – Founder / President / International Director
Demetrios Katis is a Greek-American composer renowned for his epic orchestral and
symphonic scores. He is also the founder and leader of EXORISTOI, a successful Southern
European Epic Metal band. In addition to his musical accomplishments, he has a
background in journalism and film direction, making him a multifaceted leader for the
festival.
• He’s internationally multi-award-winning composer of epic orchestral and
symphonic scores. He has been awarded twice by the renowned BILLBOARD World
Song Awards, and he is a two-time winner of the Los Angeles Music Awards, as
well as a recipient of the Hollywood in Media Awards, among many others.
• He is the founder, composer, guitarist, and lyricist for ‘Exoristoi,’ EMI’s bestselling
Southern European epic metal band. Additionally, he is an internationally
recognized EMI Platinum Record composer and recording artist. Demetrios is
also a professional journalist and an official member of the Athens Union (ESIEA)
and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) based in Brussels.
Furthermore, Demetrios is a multi-award-winning film director and writer.
• He serves as the deputy Vice President of the internationally renowned “A. Botsis
Foundation for Promotion of Journalism,” which is based in the EU.
• He is also the president and founder of the Muses Film Awards (Levadia
International Film Festival, MFA – LIFF).
• ERT – Greek National Radio Symphony Orchestra Tribute. The ERT (National
Greek Radio and Television) has performed and recorded some of Demetrios Katis’s
finest musical compositions. This initiative serves as a tribute to the composer’s
musical work and his international journey. You can listen to this orchestral music
on ERT ECHO.
• Commemorative Postage Stamps. In honor of Demetrios Katis’s contributions,
the official state postal service of Greece, ELTA, has printed ten commemorative
postage stamps featuring his portrait.
• The Kyiv Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra performed and recorded Demetrios
Katis’s masterpiece “Arrogance and Fear,” conducted by the late Robert Ian
Winstin, who was the former Chairman of the Mayor’s Arts Commission in
Chicago, Illinois.
• On July 7, 2010, at the Artemis Award Ceremony hosted by renowned American
journalist Rita Cosby, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Mr. Daniel V. Speckhard
presented Demetrios Katis with the “Special Music” Award for his significant
contributions to Western culture.
• Mayor of Portland, Maine, Ed Suslovic honored Demetrios by presenting him with
the Golden Key to the Town.
• The Hellenic Republic Ministry of National Education and Religions, Institute of
Pedagogics, has unanimously approved the music project “Course of Flame – From
Genesis to Europe” by Mr. Katis Dimitrios to be included as part of the high school
curriculum in art and culture. The album was released via the major label VIRGIN
Classics.
• Demetrios is an Artemis Awards honoree from 2009, recognized by the Euro
American Women’s Council, alongside his good friend, the famous CBS anchor
Rita Cosby, and Hillary Clinton, who was the First Lady of the United States and
the Democratic Party’s nominee for President in the 2016 election.
• The Vice President of the European Commission, Mr. Gunter Verheugen, writes
and sends a personal letter to Demetrios to warmly congratulate him on his musical
project, “Europe Hymn & Duty,”
• in July 2005. Demetrios is a Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards winner for International
Best Composer in 2008. He was presented with an engraved Hollywood Star from
the Walk of Fame. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and legendary heavy metal
vocalist Ronnie James Dio have also been awarded the Hollywood F.A.M.E. Award
(engraved Hollywood Star). The event was held at the historical Henry Fonda
Music Box Theater in Hollywood, CA.
• Demetrios’s feature film “Broken Circle,” a multi-award-winning philosophical
fantasy historical drama, has received two awards and six additional nominations
at the Adolph Zukor International Film Festival (AZIFF) in Mátészalka, Hungary.
Adolph Zukor was a Hungarian-American pioneer film producer and the founder of
Paramount Pictures.
• Composer and Director Demetrios Katis is an official member of the jury for the
renowned Tony Curtis International Film Festival, which honors the American
actor Tony Curtis, a Hungarian – Jewish from Greater Mateszalka, Hungary.
Elina Trogada – Vice President / Chief Operating Officer
Elina Trogada is a well-respected psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in the
Gestalt approach. She works at Ergo+paidi in Levadia and is committed to promoting
mental health awareness. Her involvement in local organizations and her passion for
cinema contribute significantly to the festival’s community engagement efforts.
Angeliki Kastriti – Marketing Director & Sponsorship Manager
With degrees in Commerce, Advertising, Marketing, and Public Policy, Angeliki Kastriti
brings extensive experience in marketing within the mental health sector. Her role involves
securing sponsorships and promoting the festival while educating the local community
about arts.
Maria Skouroliakos – Executive Director / International P.R.
Maria Skouroliakos has over two decades of experience as a Health Manager and Clinical
Director at Ergo+paidi. Her leadership skills were further honed during her presidency at
COTEC Council of Occupational Therapists for European Countries. Maria’s expertise
ensures effective communication strategies for the festival on both national and
international levels.
Konstantinos Katis – Digital Creator / Advertiser
Konstantinos Katis combines his background in history with skills in filmmaking, sound
engineering, and digital advertising. His work on his father’s film project “Broken Circle”
earned him recognition in sound design, showcasing his talent as a digital creator who
enhances the festival’s online presence.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: WWW.MUSESFILMAWARDS.COM
DEAR FILMMAKERS SUBMIT YOUR PROJECTS ON FILMFREEWAY:
https://filmfreeway.com/MusicFilmAwards-LevadiaInternationalFilmFestival
